A Season of Sanctuary at Portsmouth Cathedral
This February and April, Portsmouth Cathedral becomes a space for reflection, creativity and conversation. Through an exhibition, a series of talks, and opportunities for quiet contemplation, we're inviting people to pause and consider what sanctuary means in our world today. Join us for our Lent course or artist talk alongside the exhibition, offering a different way to engage with themes of refuge, displacement, compassion and hope.
The Exhibition
At the centre of the season is Sanctuary, an exhibition by artist Nicholas Mynheer – open daily from 18 February to 12 April, the exhibition features paintings and sculptures that explore the experiences of refugees, both ancient and contemporary. The story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt sits alongside the realities faced by people crossing the English Channel today. Mynheer's work doesn't offer easy answers – instead, it asks questions. What would we do if our home were no longer safe? How do we respond to those seeking refuge? What does it mean to hope for a better life when the risks are so great? The exhibition is open during standard cathedral opening hours, and is free to view – donations are greatly appreciated.
The Lent Course
Starting on Wednesday, 25 February, at 6:30pm, we're running a four-week Lent course inspired by the exhibition. The first session features Nicholas Mynheer himself, talking about the background and themes of his work. The following three weeks are led by our cathedral clergy, exploring biblical themes of journey, rescue and redemption through the paintings and sculptures on display. Each session finishes at 7:45pm and is followed by Compline at 8pm in St Thomas's Chapel. You're welcome to join us for the full course or drop in for individual sessions. It's a chance to look more closely at the exhibition and to think through some of the questions it raises in the company of others. You can sign up from the event page, though it's not essential – just turn up if you prefer.
Plan a visit
The Sanctuary exhibition runs until 12 April, and the cathedral is open daily. Whether you're interested in the exhibition, the Lent course, or any of the other events happening this season, you're welcome to visit. We also have a full programme of services and events running through Lent, Holy Week and Easter. You can find details of everything happening at the cathedral on our website or follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.