ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Nottingham Contemporary Opens with David Hockney and Frances Stark

exhibition · 2026-04-23

Nottingham Contemporary, a major new museum designed by London architects Adam Caruso and Peter Saint John, opened on November 14, 2009. The 3,400 m² building features four galleries, a performance space, education and research rooms, a café-bar, and a shop. Its design incorporates a green concrete facade engraved with a lace pattern referencing the city's historical lace industry. The inaugural exhibitions presented early works by David Hockney (1960–1968) alongside paintings and installations by Los Angeles-based artist Frances Stark. The museum aims to boost Nottingham's international cultural profile, akin to the 'Bilbao effect'.

Key facts

  • Nottingham Contemporary opened on November 14, 2009.
  • The museum was designed by Adam Caruso and Peter Saint John.
  • The building covers 3,400 m² with four galleries, a performance space, education rooms, a café-bar, and a shop.
  • The facade features green concrete with a lace pattern derived from a local sample.
  • Inaugural exhibitions included David Hockney's early works (1960–1968) and Frances Stark's paintings and installations.
  • Frances Stark is a young artist from Los Angeles.
  • The museum is located in Nottingham's historic lace district.
  • The opening was reviewed by Sophie Trelcat in art press n°364 (February 2010).

Entities

Artists

  • David Hockney
  • Frances Stark
  • Sophie Trelcat

Institutions

  • Nottingham Contemporary
  • art press

Locations

  • Nottingham
  • United Kingdom
  • Los Angeles
  • United States

Sources