The Old Skating Rink – a Grade II listed architectural gem tucked away in the heart of Norwich. This remarkable landmark is open to visit year-round, but not many know the story of its remarkable life. Join us to discover its interesting history.
The Old Skating Rink is a beautiful Victorian building designed and built by Norwich builders, with an airy hall and a huge wooden vaulted ceiling. It opened its doors to skaters for the first time in 1876 with a lavish event so grand it was reported county-wide. Since then the building has had many uses including as a Vaudeville theatre and a store for a builders’ merchant.
In 1993, Philip and Jeannie Millward, founders of The South Asia Collection purchased and restored the building to its former glory. Today, exhibitions and displays of architectural elements, furniture, textiles, paintings and prints, and other handcrafted everyday objects from South and South East Asia can be seen where Victorian roller skaters once glided beneath the impressive arched roof.
This event is part of our Heritage Open Days 2025 programme. It is free to attend however spaces are limited. Please RSVP your place by email or telephone: info@thesouthasiacollection.co.uk, 01603663890.
