Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds Art Gallery

History

• Leeds Gallery was built between 1886 and 1888 by the architect Thorp.
• It was constructed as an extension to the Municipal Buildings.
• The Central Court was uncovered after being hidden for more than 40 years behind a false ceiling, during a 2017 renovation.
• Eventually, Artist James Thompson documented the newly discovered space in 2017. Finally Creating an installation called Spatial Drifts, which explored the history of the space and how it evolved.

Activities

You can explore a range of different temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays in the gallery. Some of the Permanent collections are:

• The entrance hall and staircase, which is home to important works, including sculptures, from the collection by Anthony Gormley.
• The lower Galleries include work from the early years of the collection.
• In the Ziff Gallery, there is a display of a collection of Victorian Art.
• The temporary exhibitions are held across The White Gallery, Small Gallery, and Large Lyons Galleries.

In addition, Leeds Art Gallery also holds a range of different Events throughout the year.

Accessibility

• There are two entrances to Leeds Art Gallery. The main entrance is at the front building as is accessible via hand railed steps and a long and gradual ramp. The main entrance has two double doors which are automatic and open inwards.
• There is an alternative entrance at a lower level ramp, down to the left of the main gallery steps, which is marked as wheelchair access for the library. Access to the gallery from this entrance is via the lift and then through the Tiled Hall Cafe.
• An accessible toilet is available in Artspace on the main gallery floor and in the library on the upper floor. The facilities in the accessible toilet include emergency alarms and fire alarms with flashing lights.
• Baby Changing Facilities are available in the accessible toilet. However this toilet is RADAR key operated.
• Wheelchair access to the upper floor display areas of the gallery is via the lift in the library. In addition to this the lift includes an audible announcer and has capacity for one wheelchair on any journey.
• This Gallery has a wheelchair available for visitors to borrow. Alternatively you can ask a visitor assistant about this during your visit.
• Seating is available around the gallery. In addition to this there are permanent seats and small fold up stools for use around the gallery.
• Ear defenders can be borrowed by asking a visitor assistant.

Additional Information

You can discover more places to visit in Leeds by checking out the Eric Knows website.

You can find out more about opening times, including the shop and café opening times, by visiting their website.