The gallery building was originally constructed for the Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition of 1879.
The Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA) contains over 5,000 pieces of pottery, representing the largest collection of its kind in the UK.
William Etty, a world-renowned 19th-century artist, was a native of York and is extensively featured in the collection.
The gallery underwent an eight-million-pound refurbishment that added a new wing and opened up previously hidden mezzanine levels.
The site hosts a notable collection of 17th-century Italian paintings, including works by the school of Caravaggio.
The gallery grounds include a 'wildlife-friendly' secret garden designed to promote biodiversity in the city center.
York Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of Western European paintings spanning from the 14th century to the present day. The gallery is situated in a Victorian-era building that underwent a major redevelopment project completed in 2015. It features the Centre of Ceramic Art, which holds a significant collection of British studio ceramics. The permanent collection includes notable works by artists such as LS Lowry, David Hockney, and William Etty. Visitors can explore the 19th-century facade, which remains a prominent feature of Exhibition Square. The gallery also hosts a rotation of temporary exhibitions featuring both historical and contemporary visual arts. A rear balcony offers views overlooking the York Museum Gardens. The facility is managed by the York Museums Trust.
The internal glass staircase that provides a geometric view of the gallery architecture.
Visit the Centre of Ceramic Art on the first floor, as it is often quieter than the main painting galleries.
Check the online exhibition calendar before arriving, as specific wing galleries may occasionally close for installation changes.
Utilize the rear gallery balcony for a view of the St. Mary's Abbey ruins in the neighboring gardens.
Do not overlook the upstairs galleries, as many visitors only browse the ground-level exhibition spaces.
Closed on Mondays during off-peak seasons.
Photography is permitted for personal, non-commercial use, but the use of flash and tripods is prohibited.
