With an art gallery, a museum and an entertainment venue, the Civic Centre is an eclectic complex at the heart of Southampton’s cultural scene. Before its current range of uses, the enormous building from the 1930s spent decades as the city’s police headquarters and magistrates’ court. Admire the intriguing architectural components of the structure’s four wings.
In the West Wing visit the SeaCity Museum for a window into Southampton’s fascinating marine history. The exhibits piece together the lives of seafaring individuals over the years in the so-called Gateway to the World. Learn about the local link to RMS Titanic, which departed from Southampton’s White Star Dock in 1912.
Admire the tall clock tower that glows red at night. It rises from the West Wing, which once held the magistrates’ court.
Head to the church-like façade and exterior fountain of the North Wing that was built in the 1930s. Enter to browse the Southampton City Art Gallery and its displays of centuries of European art. Among the highlights are a 14th-century altarpiece by Allegretto Nuzi and sculptures by French artist Auguste Rodin.
The East Wing is fronted by Romanesque columns that light up at night. Attend a classical recital or dramatic performance at the Southampton Guildhall. See the impressive design of the South Wing, which contains council offices. Take a break at one of the restaurants and bars in and around the building and go for a stroll through the city center.
The Civic Centre can be found right in the heart of Southampton. Arrive at Southampton Central railway station and walk east for a few minutes to reach the building. You can drive here and leave your car in the large parking lot. See some of the neighboring sights, such as the Mayflower Theatre, the Titanic Musicians’ Memorial and the Bargate Southampton.
