Southampotn City Art Gallery
Southampton City Art Gallery can offer something for everyone, whether you're young or old, a lifelong fan or going to a gallery for the first time.
The gallery is internationally renowned for its impressive art collection, spanning six centuries of European art history. Thousands of visitors explore the exhibitions and displays every month and, through a programme of educational activities, we aim to provide opportunities for greater access, involvement and understanding of art, for people of all ages.
The Artlease Scheme
Whether you are a large or small company, paintings can be displayed in your reception, boardroom, or any public or office areas. Original and distinctive works of art can enhance both traditional style interiors and contemporary offices. A number of paintings are also of special local interest to Southampton and Hampshire. In addition to enhancing your working environment, you will be investing in the conservation of historical works of art. The modest lease fee sponsors the conservation work of your chosen paintings and frames. Paintings are always examined and treated prior to lease in order to be displayed in the best possible condition.
If you are interested in artlease, we will arrange for you to view the paintings in our art store. Once a selection has been made the conservation department will arrange the transportation for you.
Southampton City Art Gallery maintains history files relating to all artists whose works are in the permanent collection as well as a small library containing related monographs, publications and exhibition catalogues. These records are made accessible to the general public through a supervised appointment scheme and are also accessible to staff and freelance workers involved in the interpretation of the collection.
Southampton City Art Gallery maintains a slide library containing some 20,000 images. Slides cover all types and styles of art of all periods and includes slides of works in the permanent collection. The slides can be borrowed by members of the public for renewable one month periods free of charges. The service is run on an appointment only basis by a volunteer.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Coming to the gallery
Monday - Friday
Saturday and Sunday
10am - 6pm
11am - 6pm
Gallery closed until 1pm for staff training on 25 October
How to find us
By foot
The gallery is housed within the Civic Centre, on Commercial Road. There is a large round fountain on the forecourt and the entrance faces Watts Park. Please go up the steps in front of you and you'll be inside the entrance foyer. The flight of stairs directly opposite leads up to the art gallery.
By Car
Follow signs to the city centre from the M3/ A33 from the north, A3024 and A33 from the west, and M27/ A335 from the east. The nearest multi-storey car parks are West Park, Grosvenor Square, the Marlands and West Quay.
Public Transport
The gallery is close to city centre bus stops (two minutes on foot). By train, the gallery is only five minutes walk from Southampton Central Station. Turn right out of the platform one main exit and follow West Park Road up the hill to the traffic lights. The Civic Centre is opposite and the gallery entrance faces the park. There are three trains an hour from Waterloo. For more information see our public transport web page.
Access and Facilities Available
Wheelchair access throughout the gallery. There are ramps at all entrances, accessible toilets and a lift. Guide dogs are welcome. There are regular British sign language (BSL) interpreted tours of the gallery and also 'touch tours' for visually impaired vistors. Toilets, including disabled facilities, are situated on the ground floor in the gallery foyer. Baby changing facilities are also sited within the ground floor gallery foyer.
The Fountains Cafe
The Fountains Cafe, serving a wide range of high quality food and drink is open Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm and Saturday 9pm - 5pm.
Address:
Southampton City Art Gallery
Civic Centre
Commercial Road
Southampton
SO14 7LP