Portsmouth Art Galleries

(Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK)



Gallery photoWhen you visit Portsmouth, do try to make some time to visit at least one or two of its best art galleries. A selection of these galleries are close to the Guildhall Square, in the Southsea area, and in nearby Emsworth and Gosport. The second floor of the Portsmouth City Museum contains a large permanent collection of art and ceramics and should always be your first port of call.

For contemporary art in Portsmouth, the Aspex at the Gunwharf Quays stands within the beautiful Vulcan Building, which really is a historic attraction in its own right. Opened in 1981, the Aspex is considered to be amongst the best modern art galleries in the city.


Aspex

Address: The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF, Hampshire, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 9277 8080
Famed for its contemporary and often innovative works, and known for its continued support of local up-and-coming artists, the Aspex usually features five different temporary exhibitions each year, staged within the main gallery space. The onsite shop also provides further art works and crafts, while children are encouraged to join the regular workshops and create their very own masterpieces, under the careful tuition of experienced artists.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Lodge Arts Centre Cafe

Address: The Gate Keeper's Lodge, Victoria Park, Anglesea Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 9287 0880
Providing a great place to both enjoy a light lunch and appreciate some local art, the Lodge Arts Centre Cafe is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden, being based in the north-westerly corner of Victoria Park. The Lodge Arts Centre Cafe is operated on a non-profit basis and manned by keen volunteers. Various hands-on workshops take place here, such as both drawing classes and lessons about printing.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - hours vary according to exhibition
Admission: free

Wallspace Gallery

Address: 2C Albert Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 2SH, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 9273 6693
Housing what is said to be the finest collection of original art in the whole of Southsea, the Wallspace Gallery features the works of many leading English artists. Situated close to the Kings Theatre, Wallspace regularly hosts a number of events and exhibitions each year and is always happy to arrange private viewings if required.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:30 to 17:30, Saturday - 11:00 to 17:30, private appointments can be arranged outside of normal opening hours
Admission: free

Southsea Gallery

Address: 44 Albert Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 2SJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 9281 9252
Lying within the very heart of the Southsea district and along Albert Road, the Southsea Gallery aims to provide art lovers with a selection of unusual pieces, using all kinds of media. The stylish photographs depicting local scenes and landmarks are often of interest, with those of the Spinnaker Tower being especially notable. The vintage movie prints and posters, music memorabilia and seafront 'pop art' is also particularly appealing.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Richard Martin Gallery

Address: The Old Cooperage, 16 Cooperage Green, Royal Clarence Yard, Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1FY, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 9252 0642
The Richard Martin Gallery is to be found in the neighbouring Hampshire town of Gosport, which lies approximately 21 km / 13 miles to the west of Portsmouth. Housed within the mid-18th century Old Cooperage building, the Richard Martin Gallery has been trading since 1980 and has chosen to specialise in traditional paintings created between the 18th and 20th centuries, many of which feature a strong maritime theme.
Open hours: Thursday and Friday - 10:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:30 to 13:00
Admission: free

Queen Street Gallery

Address: The Old Flour Mill, Queen Street, Emsworth, Hampshire, PO10 7BT, England, UK
Tel: +44 01243 372 722
Located in nearby Emsworth, just 16 km / 10 miles to the east of Portsmouth, the Queen Street Gallery comprises around 158 square metres / 1,700 square feet of exhibition space and concentrates on the works of 'high-end' artists, who tend to exhibit here on a monthly basis. The adjoining annex is set aside for local emerging artists and university graduates. Contemporary paintings, limited-edition prints and art-related books are all available for purchase here.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free