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:
Strange Presence: John Hoyland Paintings
This exhibition (until 18 May 2025) highlights the bold abstract works of Sheffield-born artist John Hoyland (1934–2011). It features ten paintings, including several large-scale pieces, alongside sketchbooks, photographs and archival film exploring his creative process. Curated by Sam Cornish and Wiz Patterson Kelly of the John Hoyland Estate, it offers insight into Hoyland’s practice.
These Mad Hybrids: John Hoyland and Contemporary Sculpture
This exhibition (until 18 May 2025) explores John Hoyland’s lesser-known sculptural work alongside pieces by artists including Caroline Achaintre, Hew Locke and Phyllida Barlow. Hoyland’s ceramic sculptures, described by him as “mad little hybrids”, are shown publicly for only the second time since 1994. These works are displayed alongside contemporary sculptures combining materials like cement, synthetic fabric and glitter.
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.
The Ruskin Collection: Capturing Colour
This exhibition (until 30 November 2025) explores John Ruskin’s (1819–1900) fascination with colour, light and the natural world. It examines how Ruskin’s Sheffield-based collection inspires creativity and reflects his belief in art’s connection to nature. Over 50 objects, including drawings, watercolours, textiles and decorative metalwork, are displayed alongside works by contemporary artist Abigail Reynolds and students from Brantwood Specialist School.
Earthbound: Contemporary Landscape from the Roberts Institute of Art
This exhibition (5 August–31 October 2025) examines our complex relationship with the earth, exploring its role as home, resource and source of sustenance. Curated with the Roberts Institute of Art, it features works from the David and Indrė Roberts Collection alongside pieces from Sheffield’s collection. Spanning land art, landscape painting, video, sculpture and photography, the exhibition includes works by Helen Chadwick, Richard Long, Miroslaw Balka and Theaster Gates. Sheffield’s industrial and environmental history provides a local context.
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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