Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery features a programme of temporary exhibitions plus permanent galleries that provide a glimpse into the city’s artistic legacy and modern culture. Opened in 2001, this free-entry museum showcases art, design and Sheffield’s history.
What to see at the Millennium Gallery
The gallery’s permanent collection is split between the Sykes Gallery and the Ruskin Collection.
The Sykes Gallery presents Sheffield’s metalwork heritage, displaying an array of metal craftsmanship. From cutlery to silverware, it reflects Sheffield’s tradition of metalwork.
The Ruskin Collection, donated by artist and writer John Ruskin, includes manuscripts, minerals, watercolours and drawings, emphasising nature’s influence on art.
Temporary exhibition at the Millennium Gallery
The gallery hosts temporary exhibitions in collaboration with institutions that have included the V&A and Tate. Current and planned exhibitions include:
Crafted
Crafted is the Millennium Gallery’s new annual showcase of work by craftspeople, artists and designers from the North and beyond. The exhibition (until 24 December 2024) features jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork and more, offering a wide range of handmade items. Purchases support independent makers and help fund the museum’s free entry. Crafted builds on the success of Handmade for Christmas, highlighting the skills and creativity of regional and national makers.
Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood
Curated by writer and critic Hettie Judah, this Hayward Gallery touring exhibition (until 19 January 2025) explores the complexities of motherhood through over 100 artworks, from the feminist avant-garde to today. It addresses motherhood as a creative process, shaped by experiences of caregiving, creation and loss. Featuring works by artists such as Bobby Baker, Marlene Dumas and Tracey Emin, the exhibition highlights important issues around women’s health, including childbirth, miscarriage and obstetric violence.
Time for Tea
This display (until 7 September 2025) explores tea as a British social tradition. Sheffield’s Metalwork Collection recently received Britannia metal vessels from 1780 to 1860, including teapots and tea containers. Reflections on tea culture from Xenia, a social group for women learning English in Sheffield, are also included. The display combines these with artworks and objects from Sheffield’s Visual Art, Industrial and Social History collections.
Visiting the Millennium Gallery
The Millennium Gallery is close to Sheffield Hallam University, around midway between the railway station and the city centre. It adjoins the Winter Garden and it is very close to the Peace Gardens in the heart of the city.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday (it is closed on Mondays) and entry is free of charge.
Visitor facilities include a cafe and gift shop and its central location means that there are many other options to eat and drink nearby.
Allow a couple of hours for your visit.
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