What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

York Art Gallery

Home
United Kingdom
York
York Art Gallery

Call Directions Website

In 1892 it became the City Art Gallery. York Art Gallery underwent a major redevelopment prior to its grand reopening on 1 August 2015.
(1083)

York Art Gallery’s collection of paintings spans more than 600 years and works range from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian narrative paintings and 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney. We also hold the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics, thanks to the acquisition of collections from Dean Milner–White, WA Ismay and Henry Rothschild and the recent long term loan of Anthony Shaw’s collection. The building which houses the gallery opened its doors to the public in 1879 for the second Yorkshire Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition, inspired by the Great Exhibition in London of 1851. The project enabled the creation of 60% more display space, new gardens and a Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). Find out more: www.yorkartgallery.org.uk

28/10/2026

Curious about Saturday Club? Come and give it a go! 🎨

Are you aged 13–16 and interested in joining Saturday Club at York Art Gallery, but not sure what to expect?

Come along to our free drop-in taster workshop to meet the team, explore the space, try some creative activities and hear from past club members about their experiences.

Free, just turn up – there'll be biscuits! 🍪

If you have any questions about the workshop or about Saturday Club, you can email [email protected]

🗓️ Saturday 14 November
🕙 10am–12pm
📍The Studio, York Art Gallery
🎟️ Free

📷 Eloise Ross

26/10/2026

Spooky season calls for a little mystery! 👻

The subject of this enigmatic painting, and J.M.W. Turner’s reasons for making it, have been a matter of speculation since it entered the national collection following his death in 1851.

Despite its ghostly, unfinished appearance, the body of the mysterious rider is informed by the kind of anatomical study encouraged at the Royal Academy Schools.

One theory links the painting to Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem The Masque of Anarchy, in which a skeletal figure on horseback represents anarchy itself. Could this be the story Turner was trying to tell? 👀

📍 On display in our current exhibition, Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman

J.M.W. Turner (1775–1851), The Fall of Anarchy (?), possibly 1833–34
©️ Tate: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856

22/10/2026

There’s still time to join us for our Odyssey crossover event next week! ✨

Explore John Flaxman’s illustrations of Homer’s Odyssey on an exclusive tour of our latest exhibition, Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman, with Senior Curator, Dr Beatrice Bertram.

Then, follow it up with Margaret Atwood’s darkly humorous retelling, The Penelopiad at York Theatre Royal – all in one ticket!

📅 Monday 26 October, 5pm - 8pm

🎟️ Head to the York Theatre Royal website for details

21/10/2026

Happy Apple Day! 🍎

This painting, made by French painter Théodule-Augustin Ribot between 1875 and 1885, is a moody, beautifully textured still life that elevates one little apple to centre stage.

The bright yellows and reds that the artist uses to paint the apple make it pop off the canvas. He seems to have captured the essence of autumn in that single apple!

The colours in this painting look fresh and bright thanks to conservation work made possible by a grant from the Friends of York Art Gallery.

20/10/2026

Discover the story behind Anina Major’s 'Kindred' 🧶🏺

To celebrate Black History Month, join curator of ceramics Dr Helen Walsh for a special on-gallery talk exploring the work of Bahamian-born artist Anina Major and Kindred, an important new addition to York Art Gallery’s collection.

Now living and working in New York State, Major developed an innovative approach to woven ceramics after a chance discovery sparked memories of family and home. 'Kindred' is the first work by Major to be acquired by a public gallery outside the US.

📅 Thursday 29 October

⏰ 12pm

🎟️ Included in general admission

19/10/2026

Help us restore The Apotheosis of Homer! ✨

Designed by John Flaxman, this beautiful Wedgwood plaque is currently on display in our major exhibition Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman. However, a breakage at some point in its history has left the plaque in a poor and unstable condition.

With £750 needed for specialist conservation, your donation could help stabilise the piece, restore its colour and detail, and protect this important work of artistic heritage for years to come.

Every gift helps us care for the collection and ensure that works like this can continue to be shared with and enjoyed by visitors, now and in the future.

👇 Visit our website via the link in the comments to donate today and help preserve The Apotheosis of Homer for generations to come.

15/10/2026

Just one month left to see the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026! 👀

The exhibition brings together outstanding work from shortlisted artists around the world, marking two decades of Aesthetica as an international platform for contemporary art.

Featuring a diverse range of mediums, the exhibition explores some of the most pressing themes of our time — from the environment and global identities to culture, health and wellbeing in the modern age.

📍 Discover the exhibition in our Upper North Gallery on the first floor.

🗓️ On display until 15 November 2026

29/09/2026

It’s your turn to be the artist! ✨

Inspired by John Flaxman's elegant line drawings and expressive sculptures, our participatory gallery invites you to see the human figure in new ways through sketching, sculpting and movement!

Step into this studio environment, gently echoing the rich interior of the Royal Academy’s Life Drawing Room, first established in the late 18th Century during Flaxman’s time as a student.

Take inspiration from the artworks you've seen in the exhibition, explore your own ideas, and see where your imagination leads...

🔗 Plan your visit at: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman/

26/09/2026

Happy International Rabbit Day! 🐇

We’re marking the day with this ceramic hare (close enough, right?).

The piece was made by Geoffrey Fuller in 1995 and is part of the W.A. Ismay Collection, one of the most significant collections of modern British studio ceramics.

Fuller was a Derbyshire potter who looked to Britain’s folk traditions and the expressive qualities of clay in his work. He created highly individual ceramic figures full of character and personality — including animals like this hare!

21/09/2026

Looking for more ways to explore the exhibition? ✨

As part of 'Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman', we’re delighted to be offering a wide range of talks, activities and workshops.

Join us for our upcoming life drawing sessions, inspired by Flaxman’s fascination with classical form.

During October half-term, there’s plenty for families to get involved with too. Go on an interactive storytelling adventure with Story Craft Theatre , experiment with sculpting techniques, or try drawing from a live model in our special life drawing class for families. ✏️

You can also take a deeper dive into the research behind the exhibition through a series of half-hour gallery talks, led by academics from the University of York.

The talks programme begins on Wednesday 23 September 2026 at 12pm with 'Flaxman and the Royal Academy', a talk by Dr Richard Johns, Professor of History of Art.

🔗 Browse the full events programme: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman-events/

Address

Exhibition Square
York
YO17EW

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441904687687

Website

http://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when York Art Gallery posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.