The Croydon Urban Room is a space to talk about the past, present and future of the Croydon town centre. Through conversa­tions, stories, exhibitions and events, the Urban Room brings together the views of those who live, work and visit the area to create a shared vision of the future and test new uses live in action.

Croydon Placemaking Team, 2024

Wiggle Wonderland is a touring pavilion activated by artists and communities. Created by architectural designer Beau McCarthy and artist Lucy Grainge, the pavilion is a timber-framed, open-air gallery. From hosting live performances to workshops, each install of the pavilion evolves and is shaped by people and place, and collaboration and co-creation are core to the project.

Anthony Minoprio, 1970

This tour will look into the diverse buildings,their stories, styles and their effects on the Croydon Old Town/Central Croydon. From Medieval churches to Brutalism, 1960s urban planning and the modern day High St., this tour will span the history of Croydon and discuss what it might look like in the future.

Anthony Minoprio, 1968

Come along on a walking tour that explores some of Central Croydon's queer history. From some lesser known aspects of Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift's life to Second World War Spitfire pilot Roberta Cowell and London's oldest LGBTQ+ Tennis club - we will discover the fascinating queer stories hidden in our borough.

Tudor almshouses dating from 1596 and founded by the Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift. Chapel and Courtyard with original 16C clock.

Unknown, 1596

St Michael's is a Grade 1 listed building by architect J L Pearson. It was described by the poet John Betjeman as”one of Pearson’s loveliest churches” and Pevsner stated that “The interior is one of Pearson’s finest, and one of the most satisfying of its date anywhere”. There are particularly fine interior furnishings by eminent artists such as Bodley, Temple Moore and Comper.

J Loughborough Pearson, 1881

Croydon Town Hall will be opened for a limited number of guided tours, providing rare access to this unique Victorian-style, Grade II listed building. Croydon Town Hall was designed by local architect Charles Henman and opened in 1896.

Charles Henman, 1896

Visitors are invited to a descriptive tour of the Rewind: This is Croydon's Music.

Charles Henman, 1896

A storytelling adventure of Croydon's rich musical scene. This walk takes you through the heart of Central Croydon starting at The Queen’s Gardens where you will see ‘Croydon Symphony‘ the mural showcasing artists who made Croydon their home and inspiration. Then visit Fairfield Halls to The Star, now The Broad Green Tavern, where Jimi Hendrix once climbed through a back window to perform.

Charles Henman, 1896

Photographer Rachel Adams has been commissioned to create an exhibition capturing Croydon's iconic architecture & portraits of the people who look after these buildings, such as cleaners, concierge, security guards. The exhibition will be held here, at the Croydon Clocktower atrium & also at the Croydon Urban Room, located in the Whitgift Shopping Centre. For more information on visiting this exhibition at the Croydon Urban Room, head here: https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/12687

Mick Timpson, 1993

A series of events celebrating Croydon's Central Library building and its unique design. Croydon's first central library was moved to the Clocktower buildings when they first opened in May 1896. It was one of the first public libraries with open access shelves and offered one of the UK's first Children’s Libraries.

Mick Timpson, 1993