Fabrica, the free art gallery in a Regency church in the Lanes
A free contemporary art gallery in a Grade II listed former church on Duke Street, turning 30 in 2026. Here is how to see it properly.
By Only Brighton Editorial
Fabrica is not a café, a bar or a restaurant, so there is nothing to order. It is a contemporary art gallery in a former church on Duke Street, in the Lanes, and general entry to its exhibitions is free. That makes it one of the best things to do in Brighton when the weather turns and you have an hour to fill.
What it is
The gallery is in the former Holy Trinity Church at 40 Duke Street, on the corner of Ship Street and Duke Street. It is a Grade II listed Regency building, and Fabrica describes itself as a visual arts organisation that commissions contemporary art made specifically for the space. Exhibitions respond to the building and its history, and the programme also includes film screenings, talks, group discussions and community events for all ages and abilities.
The list of artists it has worked with is a good one: Anish Kapoor, Brian Eno, David Shrigley, Alfredo Jaar and Kaarina Kaikkonen among them, according to the Brighton & Hove Arts Council listing.
A short history
The church was built in 1817 for Thomas Read Kemp, a major figure in early Brighton political and religious life. It began as an independent Nonconformist chapel and became an Anglican chapel of ease when Kemp returned to the Church of England. It was consecrated in 1826 and Grade II listed in 1981. The style is Gothic Revival.
It closed as a church in the twentieth century, was leased to a group who set up a museum, and has been Fabrica's gallery since 1996. So 2026 is its thirtieth year. Fabrica has also run a volunteer-led project, If These Walls Could Talk, researching the building's story.
What to see
The current show is One Song by Kadir Karababa, an audio-visual installation and community archive about how music carries memory, identity and a sense of home across borders. It was developed with the Brighton Early Music Festival. It runs from 9 to 28 October 2026, so it ends on Wednesday, three days after this piece goes up. If you want it, go soon.
Around the show, the website lists film nights, a concert and workshops, plus a Coffee Morning discussion. Dates and any ticket prices are on the What's On page, so check there rather than turning up on spec.
When to go
This is the bit to get right. Fabrica says it is currently open for events only, and asks visitors to check What's On for dates and times. Art Fund's listing says the same. So this is not a place to drop into on a whim at any hour: look first, then go.
Once you are in, note that the church is cold. Fabrica suggests bringing an extra layer in colder months. The high ceilings and good acoustics are part of the appeal, especially for a sound-led show like One Song.
Prices and booking
- General entry to exhibitions is free.
- A National Art Pass gets you 10% off in the Fabrica shop.
- No booking is mentioned for the exhibition. For events, check the listing.
- Phone 01273 778 646 or email office@fabrica.org.uk with questions.
Getting in
There are two entrances, on Duke Street and Ship Street. The Duke Street entrance is ramped and at street level, and there are accessible gender-neutral toilets and baby changing. Floors are a mix of wood and stone, with some slightly uneven surfaces. Visit Brighton lists an induction loop and wheelchair access.
More at fabrica.org.uk/visit and What's On. Background on the building is on Fabrica's building page, and Art Fund has a listing with the free entry and discount details.
