The Forum is the landmark Millennium project for the East of England and is on the site for the former Central Library, which was destroyed by fire in 1994.This £65 million project was funded by a £31.5 million grant from the Millennium Commission and matching support from Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and the business community. Having been opened to the public in November 2001, the Forum was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2002 and now attracts approximately 2 million visitors per year.

The Forum is managed and maintained by the Forum Trust, an independent, charitable company which holds a 125 year lease to look after it on behalf of the Millennium Commission and local councils. As part of its mission statement, The Trust will continue to develop activities and services for the benefit of the community so that everyone can enjoy and use The Forum. At various times of the year you will find an ice rink, and other entertainment outside, with craft fairs, farmers markets, art exhibitions, concerts and more inside the building.

Within The Forum are the following BBC Look East, BBC Radio Norfolk, BBC Voices, City Learning Station, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, 2nd Air Divisional Memorial Library, Council Information Centre, Tourist Information Centre as well as Pizza Express, Cafe Bar Marzano, The Television and Movie Store, Origins Gift Shop, The Learning Shop and EDP and Evening News shop.