Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery featuring interior views
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery


Visit Southampton’s premier art gallery to explore an eclectic collection of over 3,500 British and European art treasures spanning eight centuries. 

The Southampton City Art Gallery is a prestigious treasure trove of works spanning eight centuries. Its strong point is 20th-century and contemporary British art. The gallery’s eclectic 3,500-piece collection ranges from traditional genres like painting and sculpture to more modern techniques such as film and photography. There are art clubs and educational workshops available at the site.

The gallery’s primary focus is on Western art and houses works by esteemed post-impressionist, surrealist and post-1970s artists. The permanent collection includes art from Turner, Monet and Renoir. Browse the Perseus series, by Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, which recounts stories based on Greek myths. Enjoy works by the Camden Town Group, a famous faction of post-impressionist artists who were active at the beginning of the 20th century. Peruse the temporary and touring exhibitions, which often include works by the masters of the classic and modern movements.

Join a drawing class, listen to artists talk about their work or attend talks on interesting subjects such as philosophy. Take a tour behind the scenes of the gallery’s conservation studio to learn how works of art are restored and preserved. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the art club which hosts activities like story telling, animation and clay making.

Make sure to take a look around the gallery’s shop for interesting art books, prints and work by local artisans. It is open Monday through Saturday from morning until early afternoon. It stays open a little later on Saturdays and admission is always free.

The Southampton City Art Gallery is located in the Civic Centre, next to Watts Park, East Park and Palmerston Park in the centre of Southampton. The Mayflower Theatre, Marlands Shopping Centre and SeaCity Museum are in close proximity. The nearest train station is Southampton Central Railway Station and buses stop nearby.

Plan a trip to see Southampton City Art Gallery

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Things to do near Southampton City Art Gallery

A visit to Southampton City Art Gallery offers a delightful array of activities, including exploring captivating art exhibitions and enjoying nearby entertainment venues. Don't miss the chance to experience the vibrant theatre scene and immerse yourself in the local culture. With a variety of art and leisure options at your fingertips, your time in Southampton promises to be enriching and enjoyable.

Shopping

WestQuay Shopping Centre, located 249m from Southampton City Art Gallery, offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore New Forest Cider and Gunwharf Quays, both around 14 and 9.3km away, respectively, for more unique shopping experiences.

Recreation

At St. Mary's Stadium, immerse yourself in the exhilarating sports atmosphere while enjoying a match. The Common, a serene recreational area, provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and leisurely strolls. The Quays, an inviting aquatic centre, offers family-friendly activities and aquatic fun for all ages.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Alpine Snowsports Southampton, located 186m from the gallery. For high-speed excitement, head to TeamSport Indoor Go Karting, 3.1km away. If you're seeking teamwork and strategy, challenge your friends at Ambush Paintball, 5.0km from the gallery.

Nightlife

In Southampton, the Mayflower Theatre offers a vibrant atmosphere with captivating performances just 124m away from the gallery. For a more relaxed evening, Leisure World cinema, 311m away, presents a delightful movie experience. Adventure seekers can head to Children’s Pleasure Park, an arcade located 1.2km away, for family fun.

Find the best attractions near Southampton City Art Gallery

While visiting Southampton City Art Gallery, you can explore a variety of attractions, including beautiful urban parks and the historic university nearby. Culture enthusiasts will enjoy the excellent museums, such as the SeaCity Museum, along with the numerous art exhibitions. For a family-friendly day out, consider a stroll along Southampton's docks and taking in the coastal scenery, ensuring a delightful blend of culture and outdoor experiences.

  • Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World: A delightful theme park perfect for families, featuring rides and attractions based on the beloved Peppa Pig series. With its vibrant atmosphere and engaging entertainment, it promises a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
  • New Forest National Park: An idyllic escape into nature, this national park offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Explore its scenic trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful landscape.
  • University of Southampton: A historic institution with stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can wander the picturesque campus, enjoying the blend of history, art, and academic life that characterises this esteemed university.

Best time to go to Southampton City Art Gallery

The best time to visit Southampton City Art Gallery is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and July are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January and January are its coolest month on average. At the time of January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Southampton City Art Gallery

To save money while visiting Southampton City Art Gallery, consider travelling between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday, as Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and accommodation type, and sort by price to find the best deals. Additionally, look into booking a package that combines your hotel with flights and activities for further savings. Don’t forget to explore free local attractions to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Southampton City Art Gallery are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Southampton City Art Gallery is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Southampton City Art Gallery is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Southampton City Art Gallery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.