A couple of weeks ago, I visited York Art Gallery. It’s only around a 20-minute walk from where I live, which is one of the things I love about living in York. It’s a stunning building, and while we had to pay when I first visited, general admission is now free — though some special exhibitions do charge an entry fee. Here’s my York art gallery review and what I thought of the place.
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.
What’s On at York Art Gallery in 2026
The big exhibition running right now is Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print, which opened on 27 February 2026 and runs until 30 August 2026. It features over 100 works spanning the 17th to 21st centuries, drawn from York Art Gallery’s own collection as well as loans from some seriously impressive institutions — the British Museum, the British Library, and Durham Oriental Museum among them.
The centrepiece is Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa, one of the most iconic images in art history. It’s included in general admission so there’s no extra cost to see it.
Alongside the main exhibition, the permanent ceramics collection — known as CoCA, the Centre of Ceramic Art — has had a major redisplay. The new show is called Not a Pot and focuses on sculptural pottery from the gallery’s collection.
If you’ve not paid much attention to the ceramics floor on previous visits, this is worth a proper look. York Art Gallery also runs a regular programme of workshops and events. Current options include Life Drawing sessions on Saturday afternoons (£15 per person, 18+ only), a monthly Art for Wellbeing workshop on Sundays (free with general admission, no booking needed), and a Sketchbook Circle on Wednesday afternoons (£5 per person).
There’s also a Lino Cut Printmaking Workshop on 28 March 2026 for ages 10 and up at £7 per person, which looks like a good one for families. For families with young children, the gallery runs Gallery Babies sessions and various half-term activities — check their website for upcoming dates as these book up quickly.
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 (now closed) 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.
FAQs About York Art Gallery
Is York Art Gallery free?
General admission is free. Some temporary exhibitions charge an entry fee — check yorkartgallery.org.uk for current pricing before you visit.
Where is York Art Gallery?:
York Art Gallery is on Exhibition Square, right in the city centre, just outside the city walls near Bootham Bar. It’s easy to walk to from the train station.
Is York Art Gallery worth visiting?
Yes — the permanent collection alone is worth a visit, covering British paintings from the 14th century to the present day, plus an impressive ceramics collection. It’s a relaxed, beautiful building and it doesn’t cost anything to get in.
How long do you need at York Art Gallery?
Around one to two hours is plenty for a comfortable visit, more if there’s a special exhibition you want to spend time with.
Is York Art Gallery suitable for children?
Yes — the gallery runs regular family events and workshops throughout the year. Check their website for what’s on during your visit.
Is York Art Gallery the same as a York art museum?
York Art Gallery is the correct name, though many people search for it as a York art museum. It is the main public gallery in York and part of the York Museums Trust, which also runs the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle 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 🙂
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