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Art Galleries in Southampton

These days everywhere in Britain seems to be a city of culture but few places can genuinely match Southampton. View the video here Southampton's cultural offerings

Outstanding art galleries, two magnificent theatres, countless concerts, festivals and events. Whether you want to see new films or classic ballets, hear traditional jazz or the latest garage, admire paintings or photographs, you'll find it in Southampton.

The magnificent City Art Gallery has over 3,500 works of art covering six centuries of European culture from the Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism. Its core collection of 20th Century British art is internationally renowned.

Visitors and residents come back time and again to take advantage of this free source of inspiration of an internationally recognised art collection that is consistently changing and updating. The gallery holds monthly workshops for children and adults allowing them to explore their own creativity. Link here to view the video World Class Art on your doorstep.

Whilst visiting the Art Gallery, Library or City Centre, why not take a break and enjoy some refreshments in the Fountains Café.

The Fountains Café operation has been taken over by Alfresco Services who aim to develop the Café as a destination for great British Food, using many products from locally sourced suppliers.

Situated in the Art Gallery & Library Foyer in the Civic Centre, it is a perfect choice for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a quick cuppa.

The Café’s current opening times are:
Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm
Saturday : 9am – 5pm
Sunday: Closed

The Bargate Monument Gallery

Southampton's most historic monument is now open to the public . The 800 year old monument stands at the heart of Southampton's City Centre.

The Bargate has been refurbished and given a new lease of life as a contemporary art gallery and home to the arts organisation A Space. It is open to the public

Wednesday-Friday 11.00-6.00

Saturday and Sunday 12.00-5.00.

Monday and Tuesday is viewing by appointment only.

Entry is free. The gallery will be closed to the public between the exhibition dates while the new work is being installed.

The John Hansard Gallery was created in 1980 at the University of Southampton to combine the University's fine art and special photographic collection. Widely regarded as one of the best places in the country to see contemporary visual art, the gallery also hosts seminars, talks and workshops.