Welcome to Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Housed in an elegant Victorian building in the heart of Worcester, the Art Gallery and Museum is a warm and friendly place with exhibitions, events and activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the year.
Entry to the museum is free.
Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm. Sundays, 10am – 3pm. Closed Mondays and bank holidays. The Chemist Shop is usually open on the first Friday of every month from 11am to 3pm. Plan your visit or keep scrolling to see what’s on.
There’s a lot to explore in the museum, from pre-historic fossils right through to Worcestershire Sauce…
Worcester’s fine art collection is especially rich in works by British Impressionist artists including Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes and Dame Laura Knight. Where possible the works are included within temporary exhibitions. There are ambitions to have this outstanding collection on permanent display in a dedicated gallery in the future.
Meanwhile gorgeous landscapes by Worcester’s own Benjamin Williams Leader are on permanent display, vibrant prints from the collection can be seen on the balcony and other works can be found in the museum gallery.
Exhibition Highlights
Art Gallery Exhibitions
Saturday 13 January to Sunday 30 June 2024
I Paint Today pays homage to this significant artist who was the first female artist welcomed into the Royal Academy and whose love of Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills inspired her art throughout the later years of her life.
Tickets are required to visit this exhibition and advance booking is available online. There are a variety of ticket options to choose from, and the rest of the Art Gallery and Museum is free to visit as usual.
Sundown, c.1955 (oil on canvas), Knight, Laura (1877-1970) / Wolverhampton Art Gallery, West Midlands, UK / © Wolverhampton Art Gallery / © Estate of Dame Laura Knight. All rights reserved 2023 / Bridgeman Images.
Saturday 13 July to Sunday 8 September 2024
Come face to face with the dinosaurs that used to roam Britain and the wider world in this fun summer exhibition at the Art Gallery and Museum.
Encounter real fossil bones from 100 million years ago, and find out who ate whom… what better way to spend the summer holidays?
This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed.
Saturday 14 September to Sunday 20 October 2024
Featuring artworks – selected by community groups in 2023 and 2024 – from Worcester’s own collection, Connections explores people’s different responses to art and the emotions and perspectives it can evoke.
On show will be unexpected treasures and old favourites including John Collier’s ‘Clytemnestra’ (c. 1914) and ‘Market Day’ (1907) by William Frank Calderon.
This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed.
Saturday 26 October 2024 – end January 2025
A visual journey through time of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities, co-curated with members of the communities.
Works by Turner, Munnings and Gainsborough will hang alongside newly commissioned artworks by Romany artists, some of which demonstrate skills from endangered crafts.
This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed.
‘Landscape with Gipsies’, Thomas Gainsborough, 1753-4. Bequeathed by Mrs Arthur James 1948. Photo: Tate.
Spotlight Exhibitions
Saturday 27 January to Sunday 9 June 2024
From the myths and legends originating in this island country to the impact of colonialism upon it, this exhibition explores the vibrant, resilient culture of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum is committed to working with the Indigenous cultures that are represented in its collections and is working with the tangata whenua of New Zealand in the production of this 2024 exhibition.
Free; no need to book.
Saturday 15 June – Sunday 3 November 2024
Walks Through Worcestershire explores the county through the brushwork of artist Harry Adams.
His favourite subjects were mountains and hills; he loved working outdoors, especially in the Teme Valley.
The Art Gallery and Museum is delighted to present this collection of his wonderful, large landscapes and in a display which celebrates one of the city’s finest artists.
This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed.
Saturday 9 November 2024 to January 2025
The members of Worcester Society of Artists share a passion for appreciating and creating art in an exciting array of different styles.
The annual exhibition celebrates and supports local artists and illustrates the wealth of creative talent in Worcestershire.
This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed.
Sunset Seascape, Marion Yeo © the artist.
You can also enjoy…
Events and activities
Have fun with family trails and exciting activities for children; enjoy Bite-size Talks to learn more about the collection and exhibitions; or pop in after work for themed cocktails and music at Museum After Hours events.
Find upcoming events in the calendar, pick up the 2024 brochure, or drop by to chat to the team.
Little Al’s at the Balcony Café
Little Al’s at the Balcony is the lovely independent coffee shop situated within the splendid Victorian architecture of the building.
Enjoy homemade, ethically responsible and locally sourced food in the heart of Worcester.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 3.30pm, and Sundays from 10am – 2.30pm.
The Gallery and Museum Shop
The gift shop is the perfect place to find unique and eco-friendly greeting cards, souvenirs inspired by exhibitions, and special gifts to treasure.
You can pick up art supplies too!
Dame Laura Knight – I Paint Today
Aotearoa – Māori Myths and Legends of New Zealand
Family Trail | Superhero Quest
Dame Laura Knight – I Paint Today
Where to find the museum
Get in touch
Address: Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT
Phone: 01905 25371
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