Hull Art Galleries

(Kingston Upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, UK)

As well as the rather unexpected and enormous selection of city museums, Hull is also called home by a number of leading art galleries. The Guildhall Collection and the RED Gallery are both of note, although it is the Ferens Art Gallery that is the real star in Kingston Upon Hull.

Operated by the Hull City Council and located on Queen Victoria Square, the Ferens Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1927 and contains a very decent permanent collection of art works, which is further enhanced by frequent visiting temporary exhibitions.

Ferens Art Gallery

Address: Hull City Council, Queen Victoria Square, Kingston Upon Hull, HU1 3RA, England, UK
Tel: +44 01482 300300
If you are looking for big name artists, then you won't be disappointed, since the Ferens Art Gallery contains masterpieces by Peter Blake, David Hockney and Stanley Spencer, amongst others. Guided tours really are the best way to learn more about some of the exhibits and take place each day between 10:30 and 15:30, lasting up to one hour, although you will likely need to book in advance. For the younger generation, there is a popular children's gallery, while for serious art appreciation, there are lots of European Masters, such as Dutch and Flemish pieces. The onsite La Loggia Cafe makes the most of its cultural setting and comes complete with its own terrace area.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Guildhall Collection

Address: Hull City Council, Guildhall, Kingston Upon Hull, HU1 2AA, England, UK
Tel: +44 01482 613902
The Guildhall is another Hull City Council attraction and boasts an extensive public collection comprising a mixture of fine art and various sculptures, as well as antique furniture and silverware. This prestigious building dates from 1916 and features very elaborate decor, with plush marble floors and grand staircases adding a great deal of character. Over the years, the art collection has gradually increased in both number and quality, thanks to an array of generous donations and commissions, and now documents much of the city's local history, with portraits of some of Hull's most notable characters and personalities. Guided tours take place each Monday and Tuesday between 10:00 to 15:30, while walks around the old prison cells and courts are also possible.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 08:30 to 16:30, Friday - 08:30 to 15:30
Admission: free

RED Gallery

Address: 19 Osborne Street, Kingston Upon Hull, HU1 2NL, England, UK
Tel: +44 01482 326085
One of the city's leading contemporary art galleries, the RED Gallery is to be found along Osborne Street. Providing an important independent space for a variety of art-related exhibitions, the RED Gallery opened to the public in 1997 and has gained much respect every since. This non-profit making attraction is managed by local artists and actively supports up-and-coming Yorkshire artists, including students from the city's university. Most formal exhibitions draw audience numbers of more than 200 visitors.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 12:00 to 16:00, exhibition hours vary
Admission: free