Bath Art Galleries

(Bath, North-East Somerset, England, UK)



A charming city known for its elegant architecture and vibrant atmosphere, Bath has also gained quite a reputation for its esteemed art galleries. Situated at the top of Great Pulteney Street and next to the landscaped Sydney Gardens, the Holburne Museum of Art is housed in a grand 18th-century Georgian building that was originally one of Bath's most impressive hotels. This outstanding collection of art was started by Sir William Holburne in the 19th century and this prestigious gallery includes many important works of art, some by famous international artists and also local artists from Bath.

Especially popular with day trippers paying a visit to Bath is the Victoria Art Gallery, which is just a stroll from the Laura Place fountain and named in honour of Queen Victoria's 60th anniversary as monarch. In total, the gallery's collection comprises more than 1,500 decorative pieces, including a number of 17th-century oil paintings created by leading British artists of their time - all this and it's completely free to enter as well!


Image of the Holburne Museum of Art

Holburne Museum of Art

Address: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA2 4DB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 466669
The Holburne was founded in 1916 and attractions include a large collection of ceramics and porcelain, silver works, antique period furniture, landscape paintings by Turner, numerous portraits, a gift shop and a tea shop. There are also a number of special events staged here throughout the year, including exhibitions, concerts, guided tours and lectures. Recently revamped and renovated in 2010 using Heritage Lottery funding, the museum now incorporates a contrasting and somewhat controversial glass extension at the rear.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

St. James' Art Gallery

Address: St. Margaret's Buildings, Brock Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA1 2LP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 319197
St. James' Art Gallery is amongst the city's main art galleries, selling a wide variety of art, and is highly regarded throughout the country. With a number of exhibits in the galleries, including contemporary ceramics, paintings and jewellery, this venue is situated within an especially historic neighbourhood, between the Royal Crescent and the Circus.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Victoria Art Gallery photo

Victoria Art Gallery

Address: Bridge Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA2 4AT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 477233
The Victoria Art Gallery is one of the most important art venues in Bath and is situated in the heart of the city centre. Next to the famous Pulteney Bridge, the Victoria has two separate areas, the Lower Galleries, where a number of temporary art exhibitions are held throughout the year, and the Upper Galleries, with more than 100 splendid works of art from the gallery's collection by over 80 artists, dating from the 15th-century to the present day. The upstairs is also home to a large collection of porcelain, glass and miniature paintings. Other attractions at the Victoria include a small bookshop, refreshments and monthly tours of the gallery's art stores, which explore behind the scenes with a curator of the gallery.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 15:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Beaux Arts Gallery

Address: 12 to 13 York Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA1 1NG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 464850
The Beaux Arts Gallery offers a wide variety of contemporary art, including paintings, ceramics and sculptures. This art gallery is situated in the centre of Bath and well-known 20th-century artists exhibiting at the art gallery include Barbara Hepworth, and John Piper. Beaux Arts is housed in a splendid listed Georgian building.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Rostra Art Gallery

Address: 5 George Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA1 2EH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 448121
This large, commercial venue is situated at the top of the busy Milsom Street and is a popular place to purchase a wide variety of paintings, ceramics, unusual and stylish sculptures, glass works and also jewellery. There are two gallery spaces - the main area is situated on the ground floor and the upper floor offers a quieter space, displaying a large number of mainly paintings. Other attractions at the Rostra Art Gallery include an art consultancy service for both individuals and businesses, and also some particularly stylish clocks.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:30

Hotbath Art Gallery

Address: City of Bath College, Hot Bath Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA1 1UP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 328673
The Hotbath Art Gallery is situated in the City of Bath College, in the centre of Bath. Founded in 1994, highlights include paintings, sculptures, craft work, an art shop and there is also a café. On display are works of art by both students at the college and also many acclaimed international artists.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:45, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Atrium Art Gallery

Address: The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA1 5AS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 443446
Situated in the Podium shopping centre, close to the Post Office, the Atrium Art Gallery sells a wide range of different paintings, limited edition prints and photographs. The Atrium Art Gallery is also well-known for its large and impressive collection of images of Bath, some of which date back many years. Paintings can be sold unframed if required, while different frames can also be chosen or made.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 18:30, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Adam Art Gallery

Address: 13 John Street, Bath, North-East Somerset, BA1 2JL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1225 480406
The Adam Art Gallery, in the centre of Bath, is a thriving commercial venue and sells a variety of original paintings and limited edition prints. Regular exhibitions are held throughout the year and these generally include works by many important contemporary artists.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: free

Other art galleries nearby Bath include:




Visit World Guides to Bristol for further information about Bristol Art Galleries.