Quad Tours and Activities

Quad which includes a square or plaza and modern architecture
Quad featuring modern architecture and night scenes
Quad showing outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Quad showing modern architecture and a square or plaza
Quad showing a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza


Watch Hollywood blockbusters, browse rotating art exhibitions and create your own works of art at workshops inside a contemporary steel-and-glass building.

Quad is a multipurpose arts and culture center that hosts events suitable for all ages. It invites visitors to explore their creative side via expositions by local and international artists, photography courses and writing classes. Quad opened in 2008 in a modern building, which stands in contrast to the heritage landmarks of Derby’s city center. One of the center’s original and most esteemed patrons was the late English actor Sir John Hurt.

Exhibitions from home and abroad take place regularly in the QUAD Gallery. They cover multiple themes, including 3-D photography and printing to artificial intelligence, the city’s sporting heroes and the mysteries of outer space. The forward-thinking technology studio Kimchi and Chips and London-based Hetain Patel are among previous contributors. Many of the artists hosts talks to introduce and explain their work.

Check the current listings for movies being shown at the two cinema screens. Choose between the latest hits from Hollywood and one-off screenings of classics. There’s also live screenings of performances from theaters around the country. Summer Nights Film Festival is an outdoor cinema event sponsored by Quad and held at select UK locations in July and September.

Get your creative juices flowing at themed classes and workshops. Learn how to write crime fiction, fantasy novels and horror stories. Photography courses will teach you how to maximize the use of your camera. The BFI Mediatheque is a free-to-use collection of movies and television shows from the British Film Institute National Archive.

Centrally located, the center is a short walk from Derby’s central bus and train stations. Derby Market Hall, Derby Speaker’s Corner and the Guildhall Theatre are some nearby attractions.

Quad is open daily and admission to most exhibitions is free. Fees are applicable for courses. Purchase tickets at the box office or via the center’s official website. The on-site café is a great place to purchase drinks, snacks and meals during your visit.

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