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:
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.
Crafted
Crafted (until 24 December 2025) returns to the Millennium Gallery with a display of contemporary craft from across the region and further afield. The exhibition features jewellery, glass, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork and textiles, highlighting a broad range of handmade work. Many items are available for purchase in the gallery and shop in the lead-up to Christmas.
New Horizons: Growing Sheffield’s Art Collection
New Horizons: Growing Sheffield’s Art Collection (until 25 January 2026) explores how Sheffield’s public art collection has developed over the past decade. Featuring works by artists such as Lubna Chowdhary, Lucian Freud, Grayson Perry and Bridget Riley, it highlights new acquisitions across painting, sculpture and video. The exhibition also considers how future collecting can reflect and represent contemporary society.
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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