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:
Colour
Colour (until 14 September 2025) explores how humans and other species use and respond to colour in daily life and culture. The exhibition includes over 150 items across art, science and history. Works by artists such as Hokusai, Kandinsky and Warhol are shown alongside ceramics, textiles and natural specimens. Displays range from insect wings to carnival costumes and prehistoric jewellery. A mural by Grace Visions and a Rangoli sand art piece are also featured.
Liliane Tomasko: The Psyche of the Portrait
This exhibition (until 12 October 2025) features new abstract work by Liliane Tomasko, responding to portraits from Sheffield’s Visual Art collection. Tomasko engages with works by Auerbach, Bonnard, Van Dongen and Paolozzi. Her paintings explore the relationship between artist and sitter, with a focus on the subconscious. The exhibition draws links between portraiture and developments in psychology during the 20th century. All featured works were created specifically for this display.
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.
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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