The gallery houses a rare portrait by Frans Hals, 'Portrait of a Young Woman', acquired in 1929.
It holds one of the most significant collections of maritime paintings in Britain due to Hull's whaling history.
The gallery underwent a major refurbishment in 2017 to host the Turner Prize as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
It contains a 14th-century Italian altarpiece by Pietro Lorenzetti, a rare piece for a regional gallery.
The building was designed by architects S.N. Cooke and E.C.P. Monson.
The collection includes the 'Hull Madonna', a significant medieval sculpture piece.
The Ferens Art Gallery houses a significant collection of European old master paintings, modern British art, and medieval sculpture. Located in Hull city centre, the gallery was established in 1927 following a bequest by Thomas Robinson Ferens. The permanent collection includes notable works by Canaletto, Frans Hals, and Pietro Lorenzetti. It also holds an extensive maritime art collection reflecting Hull's historical connection to the whaling and fishing industries. The gallery features the Lorenzetti 'Pietro' panel, which is considered one of the most important medieval paintings in any UK public collection. Modern and contemporary British art, including works by David Hockney and Helen Chadwick, complement the historical holdings. The building itself is an example of neo-classical architecture situated in the heart of Queen Victoria Square. The gallery frequently hosts temporary national touring exhibitions alongside its permanent displays.
The main entrance hall with its grand columns or the view of the gallery exterior from the center of Queen Victoria Square.
Check the gallery's website for rotating temporary exhibitions, as they often utilize the gallery's flexible large-scale spaces.
Visit the cafe located on the ground floor for views overlooking Queen Victoria Square.
Use the interactive information points in the galleries to learn about the provenance of specific Old Master works.
Do not attempt to touch the sculptures or paintings, as the gallery enforces strict security protocols due to the age and value of the collection.
The gallery is generally closed on certain bank holidays; verify local listings for specific holiday closures.
