York Art Gallery

What to see at the York Art Gallery

Housed within a grand Victorian building, the York Art Gallery showcases a rich and varied collection of artworks spanning different periods and styles.

The gallery’s collection includes over 1,000 paintings plus a large collection of drawings, watercolours, decorative arts and ceramics. Note that only part of the collection is on display at any one time.

Temporary exhibitions at the York Art Gallery

In addition to its permanent collection, the York Art Gallery also hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:

Harland Miller: XXX
Artist and writer Harland Miller presents XXX (14 March–31 August 2025), an exhibition of paintings and works on paper from his Letter Paintings series. Miller’s work reflects his upbringing in 1970s Yorkshire and his time in cities including New York, Berlin and Paris. His Letter Paintings feature overlaid letters with a neutral band at the bottom resembling a book title. The exhibition includes pieces such as XXX and Boss, alongside preparatory drawings that reveal his creative process.

Visiting the York Art Gallery

The gallery is on Exhibition Square at the northern end of the city centre, very close to the Yorkshire Museum. Most points of interest in York are no more than a 20-minute walk from here.

It is open Wednesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Admission cost £7, although entry is free with the National Art Pass.

Visitor facilities include a gift shop and the Sketch cafe. There is also a good selection of places to eat and drink nearby

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.

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