Derry Art Galleries

(Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK)

Art has always been a community lifeline for Derry, especially throughout the 'troubles'. A group of local artists painted a series of murals on house walls in Bogside and these became a true source of hope and inspiration for local people.

This outdoor People's Gallery is a mainstay on the tourist circuit and more can be learned about these large murals by visiting the adjacent Bogside Artists Studio on Meenan Square. The city of Derry also boasts several more conventional exhibition spaces, the best of which include both the Gordon and the McGilloway galleries.

McGilloway Gallery

Address: 6 Shipquay Street, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7136 6011
This art gallery opened in 1984 as a showcase for contemporary Irish Art, where both established and emerging artists from all over Ireland are able to showcase their best pieces. The McGilloway is housed in a lovely Georgian mansion and regularly hosts community events. In all, some 200 works of art are on display, with around seven different exhibitions being hosted annually.
Open hours: daily - call ahead for current hours and special programmes
Admission: charge

Bogside Artists Studio

Address: Unit 7, Meenan Square, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7137 3842
This studio belongs to the trio of political artists who created the famous People's Gallery murals, near Free Derry Corner. Will Kelly, Tom Kelly and Kevin Hasson have become local celebrities, and anyone with an interest in their work and careers will find their studio fascinating. Tours are available for groups by appointment, with visitors being treated to an audio-visual presentation, complete with a documentary about the artists.
Open hours: daily - by appointment
Admission: free

People's Gallery

Address: 46 William Street, Bogside, Derry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7137 3842
This collection of 12 murals was painted on house and other walls near Free Derry Corner, beginning in 1994. This is a collaborative work between three local artists (Will Kelly, his brother Tom and Kevin Hasson) who have spent their lives in Bogside. The images are moving, and they focus on the ultimate failure of violence along with the hope that springs from community and solidarity. Some of the most eye-catching are entitled Peace Mural, The Hunger Strike, Civil Rights, Death of Innocence and Bloody Sunday Commemoration.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Gordon Gallery

Address: 13A Pump Street, Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 028 7137 4044
The Gordon Gallery on Pump Street has a long and interesting history, dating as far back as 1860, when it was established as the 'Empire Picture Frameworks'. Closed in 1996 due to the regeneration of the city centre, this contemporary exhibition space reopened its doors in 2005 and features both travelling shows and up-and-coming modern Irish artists. The gallery's setting is especially charming, amidst a line of Georgian and Victorian shop fronts and characterful buildings.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free