Royal West of England Academy (RWA)

The Academy was founded by Ellen Sharples with early benefactors that include Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Prince Albert.

What to see at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA)

The RWA is housed inside a Grade II*-listed building that was opened in 1858. Its interior is lit by natural light from large skylights and it is noted for a replica of the Parthenon Frieze.

It has five galleries with a permanent collection that is comprised of over 1,700 works of art including works by prominent British artists including artists from the Bloomsbury, Newlyn and St Ives schools. The gallery focuses on both traditional and contemporary British art.

Temporary exhibitions at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA)

The Academy also hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:

Elemental
Elemental (20 January–8 March 2026) presents work by four RWA Academicians responding to the natural world. The artists explore change, memory, material and impermanence. Subjects range from volcanic landscapes to altered coastlines and abstracted forms. Together, the works consider matter as fluid and unstable, shaped by time, place and personal experience rather than fixed representation.

Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space
This exhibition (24 January–19 April 2026) explores how artists and scientists have interpreted space through time. Featuring works by Yinka Shonibare, Christopher LeBrun and RWA Academicians, alongside emerging artists, it examines human curiosity about the universe through painting, sculpture and digital media. Historical material from the Royal Astronomical Society’s archives, including moon drawings and celestial globes, reveals how observation and imagination have shaped our understanding of the cosmos.

Dance Out
This exhibition (9 May–9 August 2026) brings together paintings, drawings and film exploring dance as a social and personal activity. Co-curated by David Remfry and James Russell, it includes works by Denzil Forrester, Paul Dash and Christina Kimeze, alongside short films by Tracey Emin and others. A new installation by Melanie Manchot, filmed in Bristol, reflects on dance in everyday life and changing urban spaces.

Visiting the Royal West of England Academy (RWA)

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is located around midway between Clifton and the city centre. It is close to the University of Bristol and there are several interesting sights nearby interest including the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, which is only a four-minute walk away.

Admission to the permanent gallery is free of charge, however, there is a fee to visit many of the temporary exhibitions. Exhibitions are half price with the National Art Pass.

The RWA has its own on-site cafe, however, the gallery’s location near the university ensures that there are plenty of other places to eat and drink nearby. The gallery also has an excellent gift shop.

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