Southampton Art Gallery, Southampton
The Southampton City Art Gallery, located in the Civic Centre on Commercial Road, is a notable cultural institution in southern England. Opened in 1939, the gallery owes much of its existence to the bequests of two local philanthropists, Robert Chipperfield and Frederick William Smith. However, its history was marred by the damages of World War II, which delayed its reopening until 1946.
The gallery’s fine art collection is vast, spanning over six centuries of European art history, with more than 5,300 pieces. It features significant works, including a 14th-century altarpiece by Allegretto Nuzi, pieces by Giambattista Pittoni, the Perseus series by Burne-Jones, and sculptures by notable artists such as Jacob Epstein, Auguste Rodin, and Richard Deacon. The collection is recognized as nationally important, earning a Designated Collection status.
Beyond its historical holdings, Southampton City Art Gallery offers a vibrant mix of contemporary exhibitions, often collaborating with prominent artists and institutions. The gallery hosts a rotating display of art, ensuring each visit provides something new, from Renaissance masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. With free entry and family-friendly activities such as gallery trails, art clubs, and creative workshops, it appeals to both dedicated art lovers and casual visitors.
Situated in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter, the gallery stands as a beacon of Southampton’s rich artistic legacy and ongoing commitment to cultural growth.
The gallery’s fine art collection is vast, spanning over six centuries of European art history, with more than 5,300 pieces. It features significant works, including a 14th-century altarpiece by Allegretto Nuzi, pieces by Giambattista Pittoni, the Perseus series by Burne-Jones, and sculptures by notable artists such as Jacob Epstein, Auguste Rodin, and Richard Deacon. The collection is recognized as nationally important, earning a Designated Collection status.
Beyond its historical holdings, Southampton City Art Gallery offers a vibrant mix of contemporary exhibitions, often collaborating with prominent artists and institutions. The gallery hosts a rotating display of art, ensuring each visit provides something new, from Renaissance masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. With free entry and family-friendly activities such as gallery trails, art clubs, and creative workshops, it appeals to both dedicated art lovers and casual visitors.
Situated in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter, the gallery stands as a beacon of Southampton’s rich artistic legacy and ongoing commitment to cultural growth.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Southampton. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Southampton Art Gallery on Map
Sight Name: Southampton Art Gallery
Sight Location: Southampton, England (See walking tours in Southampton)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Southampton, England (See walking tours in Southampton)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Southampton, England
Create Your Own Walk in Southampton
Creating your own self-guided walk in Southampton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Titanic Tour in Southampton
Over a hundred years since the sinking of Titanic, the echo of that tragedy still reverberates throughout Southampton. Indeed, nowhere else was the pain of the Titanic disaster, one of the deadliest in maritime history, felt more intensely than here. The majority of Titanic's 900-strong crew were from Southampton, of whom only a handful returned home. More than 500 local households overnight... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Southampton Old Town Walking Tour
Southampton is a bustling coastal city with the history going back all the way to the Stone Age. There are over 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments in the Old Town, including medieval watch towers and dungeons, an array of churches, fine timber-framed Tudor houses, inns and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Despite heavy bombardment during WWII, much of Southampton's historic heritage survived... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Southampton Introduction Walking Tour
Southampton is an important port city with a long history. Archaeological records indicate that the area has been settled since the Stone Age. The Romans had a settlement here, and the Anglo-Saxons later settled in the area.
Southampton became a major port after the 1066 Norman Conquest. Southampton's impressive walls were built following a French incursion in the 1300s.
The Mayflower... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Southampton became a major port after the 1066 Norman Conquest. Southampton's impressive walls were built following a French incursion in the 1300s.
The Mayflower... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Southampton Waterfront Walk
A major seaport on the south coast of England, the city of Southampton abounds in attractions of various sorts. Southampton Waterfront, in particular, holds significant historical and cultural value, offering ample opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment.
At the heart of this vibrant area is the Pilgrims Fathers Memorial, commemorating the departure of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
At the heart of this vibrant area is the Pilgrims Fathers Memorial, commemorating the departure of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles