The Victoria Art Gallery is an art museum that was opened in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The gallery focuses on paintings by British artists from around 1700 to the present day.
What to see at the Victoria Art Gallery
The gallery is housed inside a Grade II* listed building and it houses a collection of around 1,500 works including decorative arts such as glassware and sculptures; however, the Victoria Art Gallery’s primary focus is on British oil paintings from the late 17th century to the present day. Artwork on display includes works by Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert.
Temporary exhibitions at the Victoria Art Gallery
In addition to its permanent collection, the Victoria Art Gallery hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions, which change every 6–12 weeks. Current and planned exhibitions include:
Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre
The Toulouse-Lautrec & the Masters of Montmartre exhibition (until 29 September 2024) presents 100 of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s original posters from 1890s Paris, showcasing the era’s artistic vigour and social change. This exhibition offers a rare chance to view Toulouse-Lautrec’s complete poster collection before it heads to its permanent location in Belgium. Toulouse-Lautrec’s vibrant posters, capturing Parisian nightlife, are complemented by works from other notable artists Théophile Steinlen’s iconic Tournée du Chat Noir and an advertisement for Ruinart champagne by Alphonse Mucha, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Belle Époque Paris.
Visiting the Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery is in the city centre close to the western entrance to Pulteney Bridge. Most points of interest in Bath are no more than a 10-minute walk away and Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Sally Lunn’s are all less than a five-minute walk from here.
Admission to the art gallery costs £10, which is rather expensive for a gallery in a small regional city. However, this includes admission to temporary exhibitions and entry is half price if you have a valid National Art Pass.
The gallery is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair users should enter through the accessible entrance on Bridge Street.
Free Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available in the upper gallery.
Allow 1–2 hours to visit the gallery.
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