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:

Skin Deep
This group exhibition (until 31 August 2025) brings together six artists whose work explores the female body as a site of memory and experience. Themes include migration, ageing, pregnancy and identity. Artists featured are Eileen Cooper, Valda Jackson, Charmaine Watkiss, Adelaide Damoah, Jessa Fairbrother and Wendy Elia. Using painting, drawing, photography and performance, their works examine how personal and collective histories are expressed through the body.

Collection Showcase 2025
This exhibition (until 21 September 2025) features works selected from the RWA Permanent Collection by a team of volunteers.

RWA 172 Annual Open Exhibition
The RWA’s 172nd Annual Open Exhibition (6 September–28 December 2025) features work by emerging and established artists selected through open submission. Pieces are available to buy in person or online, with payment plans offered through Own Art. This year’s invited artist is Maria Lalić, whose work explores colour through time, place and material. Judges include RWA Academicians and external selectors from leading arts institutions.

Small Things, Big Voices
This exhibition (11 November 2025–4 January 2026) is curated by Pennie Elfick RWA. It features abstract works by six invited artists, each contributing four small 2D pieces on 24 x 24 cm panels alongside one sculpture. The exhibition explores how scale influences perception and how smaller works can still convey presence and intent. All participating artists are working with abstraction across different materials and forms.

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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