See Southampton in a whole new light this winter

This February, experience City Reflections – Illuminating Southampton’s Stories, a free city-wide programme of creative projection artworks transforming six historic buildings across Southampton’s Old Town and city centre.

For four evenings, large-scale outdoor projections bring the city’s heritage to life after dark. Each artwork offers a creative snapshot inspired by stories, objects and people from Southampton’s past, drawing on the city’s Art, Maritime and Archaeology Collections and created in collaboration with local communities.

Easy to explore at your own pace, City Reflections offers a fresh way to encounter Southampton’s stories — and a welcoming starting point for discovering more in the lead-up to the reopening of Southampton City Art Gallery in March 2026.
 

Event details

  • Dates: Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 February 2026
  • Times: 6pm – 8pm each evening
  • Location: Six heritage sites across Southampton Old Town and city centre
  • Tickets: Free, no booking required
  • Accessibility: Step-free access at all locations

Presented by Southampton Forward in partnership with Southampton City Council.
Creative Producers: Light Up Trails and Double Take Projections.

Supported by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Also supported by Southampton Forward’s founding city partners: University of Southampton, Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith LLP and Mayflower Theatre

 

Projection Locations

Each projection brings a piece of Southampton’s story to life:

  • The Bargate – Culture: ‘Many Lives, One City’

  • The Castle Vault - ‘Through Minds That See the World Differently’
    * For the duration of City Reflections, Southampton City Council will open the Castle Vault to the public, offering rare access to one of the city’s oldest and largest medieval vaults. Built to store the King’s wine when Southampton was at the centre of the wine trade, the projection is shown on the external wall that forms part of the medieval town walls near Westquay.

  • The Dancing Man Brewery (The Wool House) – ‘Southampton, Gateway to the World’

  • Holy Rood Church – ‘More than Windrush’

  • King John’s Palace – ‘Southampton, A City Built on Exchange’

  • Southampton City Art Gallery – ‘You Are Invited’

City Reflections Trail Map

Make it a City Break

Why not turn your evening at City Reflections into a full Southampton getaway?

With six stunning light projections lighting up the city after dark, there’s never been a better excuse to stay overnight and explore more of what Southampton has to offer — from rich maritime history to modern culture, shopping, dining and waterfront strolls.

 

Where to Stay

There’s accommodation for every style and budget, all within easy reach of the trail:

Grand Harbour Hotel lit up at night

Food-Restaurant-Asian

Where to Eat & Drink

Before or after the trail, make the most of Southampton’s growing food scene:

  • The Dancing Man Brewery – Grab hearty pub classics in a historic setting (and one of the projection sites!)

  • Ennio's – Upscale Italian with a romantic waterfront setting

  • XOXO – Brunch, cocktails and small plates with serious Instagram appeal

  • Mettricks – Great coffee and casual eats, open late for a warm trail stop

More to Explore by Day

While you’re in town, take time to explore Southampton’s cultural side:

  • SeaCity Museum – Uncover the city’s Titanic links and maritime past

  • Tudor House & Garden – Step into 800 years of history in the heart of the Old Town

  • Solent Sky Museum - A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, including the iconic Spitfire

  • Westquay – Shop your heart out with over 100 stores, or relax with a film or meal

  • Medieval town walls - Take a guided or self-guided tour along the medieval town walls, enjoying panoramic views of the Old Town

Explore the medieval town walls

Getting Around

Southampton is a walkable city, especially the Old Town and Cultural Quarter. Most projection sites are within a 15-minute walk of each other. You can also hop on local buses or use Voi e-scooters and bike share options.

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