A couple of weeks ago I visited York Art Gallery. It’s only around a 20 minutes walk from where I live. Woo. It’s a stunning building and although we had to pay to get in, there was a discount for residents. But now, general admission is free – but you do have to pay for some exhibitions. Let’s learn about the York Art Gallery and then see what I thought!
About York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery is a prominent art museum in York, England. It houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning several centuries and diverse art forms. The gallery’s history dates back to the 19th century when it was established in 1879.
The collection at York Art Gallery encompasses a wide range of artistic styles, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, and decorative arts. It features both historic and contemporary artworks, offering visitors a comprehensive view of artistic expression throughout different periods.
One of the notable highlights of the York Art Gallery is its collection of British paintings, which covers works from the 14th century to the present day. Visitors can appreciate masterpieces from renowned artists such as David Hockney, L.S. Lowry, and Thomas Gainsborough. The gallery also holds an exceptional collection of ceramics, showcasing pieces from various periods and styles.
The building itself is an architectural gem, featuring a blend of original Victorian elements and modern additions. In 2015, the gallery underwent a major renovation and expansion project, led by the renowned architect firm Ushida Findlay. The renovation aimed to enhance the gallery’s exhibition spaces, visitor facilities, and accessibility.
Beyond its permanent collection, York Art Gallery hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, showcasing works by local, national, and international artists. These exhibitions often explore different themes, movements, and artistic disciplines, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
The gallery also offers educational programs, workshops, and events for people of all ages. These initiatives aim to promote art appreciation, creativity, and learning. Additionally, the gallery has a shop where visitors can purchase art-related items and a café where they can relax and enjoy refreshments.
York Art Gallery serves as a cultural hub in the city of York, providing a rich and diverse art experience for locals and visitors alike. With its impressive collection, captivating exhibitions, and commitment to community engagement, the gallery continues to play a significant role in promoting art and enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
York Art Gallery Prices
General admission is free but you have to pay to get into the Marvellous & Mischievous exhibition. Prices for adults are £6.
Opening Times
Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm
My thoughts on York Art Gallery
My favourite part of the museum was the Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition which is a presentation of 16 shortlisted artists from all over the world. The artworks comment on contemporary culture and explore themes such as globalisation, perceptions of space and alienation in the digital age. We had the option to vote for our favourite. Mine was the cut-outs of people in different colours called ‘I am here’ by Emmanuelle Moureaux. I was close to picking the lime painting but went with the cutouts instead.
I’ll let you look at the photos and decide for yourself it’s is worth a visit…
Check out our visit to the Yorkshire Museum.
That installation with the dangling people is by far my fave! Looks like such a fab place to visit, I love having places like this nearby when you just want to go wander somewhere and have a change of scenery whatever the weather!
Sarah 🙂
Saloca in Wonderland
It looks really interesting. I would like to visit the museum sometimes.
What a beautiful building, I like that they have a good variety of art not just favouring one method Lucy x