The York Art Gallery is an art gallery that was originally created to provide a permanent building for the second Yorkshire Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition of 1879. The gallery houses various collection including a collection of more than 1,000 paintings from 14th-century to contemporary, a collection of more than 17,000 drawings, watercolours and prints, a collection of 3,000 decorative objects from mainly from Yorkshire, Chinese and Korean potteries and a collection of more than 5,000 pieces of British studio ceramics.
Art & Design Applied art Children Contemporary art Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Modern art Renaissance art & Early modern art
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| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
We are also open on some Bank Holidays for 2023. Please see our website for full details.
| 65+ | £8.10 |
| Adult | £9.00 |
| Art Fund Member (Art Pass) | Free |
| Child (under 16) | £5.40 |
| Concessions: Universal credit, means tested benefits, MAX card, etc | Free |
| Friends of York Art Gallery | Free |
| York Resident Child | Free |
| Young Person aged 17-25/Student | £8.10 |
We have an exhibition space which regularly changes. Please see our website for the latest exhibitions and prices.
More concessions available, please see our website for details, or give us a call on 01904 687687.
Exhibition Square, York

Feb 27, 2026 – Aug 30, 2026

Nov 15, 2025 – Jun 28, 2026

Sep 19, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026

Sep 19, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026

Mar 14, 2025 – Aug 31, 2025
Oct 27, 2023 – Jan 28, 2024
Dec 14, 2018 – Mar 10, 2019
Oct 12, 2018 – Feb 24, 2019
Sep 28, 2018 – Nov 25, 2018
York Art Gallery has 2 ratings.
York Art Gallery, located in the historic city of York, England, offers visitors an enriching experience with its diverse collection of art spanning several centuries. The gallery houses an impressive array of paintings, ceramics, and contemporary art pieces that cater to various artistic tastes.
The permanent collection features notable works from the 14th century to the present day, with a strong emphasis on British art. Visitors often appreciate the gallery's commitment to showcasing both established and emerging artists, providing a well-rounded perspective on art history and contemporary trends.
The building itself, recently renovated, receives praise for its thoughtful design that seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern exhibition spaces. The light-filled rooms enhance the viewing experience, allowing artworks to be displayed in optimal conditions.
Many visitors commend the gallery's temporary exhibitions, which bring fresh and exciting content throughout the year. These rotating displays often explore thought-provoking themes or spotlight specific artists, keeping the museum experience dynamic for repeat visitors.
The ceramic collections, particularly the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA), are frequently highlighted as a standout feature. This extensive collection offers insights into the rich history and evolution of ceramic art, attracting enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
While the gallery generally receives positive feedback, some visitors note that the collection, while high-quality, may not be as extensive as those found in larger metropolitan museums. Additionally, a few patrons mention that more detailed information about some exhibits would enhance the educational aspect of their visit.
The gallery's efforts to engage younger audiences through interactive elements and family-friendly activities are appreciated by many. However, some visitors suggest that these could be expanded further to appeal to a broader range of age groups.
Overall, York Art Gallery provides a satisfying cultural experience, offering a well-curated selection of art in a pleasant environment. Its blend of historical significance and contemporary relevance makes it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts visiting York.
I visited the museum for the first time to see the Japanese print exhibition. This is absolutely outstanding, the most comprehensive one I have ever seen.
The captions are extremely informative and give delightful detail of everyday life, explanation of the changing subject matter and biographies of the major artist.
There is a further room at the end showing the influence of Japanese art right up to today. There was so much information that I had to come back the following day to do the last two rooms.
There is also an outstanding collection of studio ceramics ,including a large section which displays the collection of the donor in a room setting, including some of his furniture . Marvellous to see the pieces displayed as in a home rather than just lined up in a cabinet. Though of course that is very useful for identifying the potters whose work you admire .
then there is an eclectic display of art from various periods ,going right up to to a huge stunning canvas from 2019 and and an interesting collection of paintings of York.
finally, the café, shop, including a secondhand book department, all absolutely wonderful. This is the best small museum I have ever been to. I cannot recommend it too highly
Visited on Jul 15, 2026
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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