Art Galleries in and near Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a top destination for contemporary art. The Art Works Galleries in Newcastle is a unique art gallery housing exciting changing exhibitions, focused on cutting-edge contemporary work. The Baltic art gallery in Newcastle showcases inspiring and unusual artworks by English and international artists.

Hatton Gallery

Described in recent years as “one of the most impressive exhibition spaces in Britian”. The Hatton stages a highly-regarded programme of historical, modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The Hatton’s permanent collection comprises over 3,500 works. ... more

What is art? Artists and critics have been striving throughout the ages to answer that conundrum. What you think constitutes 'good art' is definitely a matter of personal taste. But what's certain is that whether prefer the old masters, minimalist modern art, quirky contemporary works or all the above, you will not be disappointed with the range of works on display in England's art galleries.

England offers a myriad of art galleries throughout the country, from extensive national collections spanning all the historical art periods, to specialised museums devoted to particular local artists.

England's national collections can be accessed for free, although donations to these valuable cultural centres are encouraged. You may be charged for special art exhibits in these galleries, but this will definitely be worth it, as these exhibitions often reveal fascinating aspects of well-known artists, or expose excellent lesser-known works to the public.

England's contemporary artists continue to further the nation's position as a cultural and artistic centre in Europe. There are many private picture galleries in almost every English town, and if you are a discerning art collector, England's commercial art galleries give you the opportunity to own cutting-edge works by local artists.

London offers the art-lover countless opportunities to admire and analyse some of the world's greatest works.

For specifically British works, head to the Tate Britain, the national gallery of British art. The collection includes British art from the year 1500 onwards, and special attention is given to the brilliant English artists Blake, Turner and Constable.

If you're an avid admirer of groundbreaking modern art, don't miss the Tate Modern, which is housed in a disused power station in the centre of London. The collection includes international modern art created since 1900, and all the major art movements are represented. The Tate's Modern's collection of Surrealist works is particularly noteworthy, so don't miss this world-class museum if you are a Dalí or Magritte enthusiast.

London's National Gallery is recognised as one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world: collection highlights include such masterpieces as Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Leonardo da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks.

If you're keen to see some of England's most exciting art exhibitions, find out what's on at the Royal Academy of Arts. The Academy is home to an ever-changing programme of innovative, appealing art exhibits.

Three very significant collections can be seen at Somerset house, a cultural centre on the north bank of the Thames. The Courtauld Institute of Art contains Old Masters, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, while the Gilbert Collection features decorative art, and the Hermitage Rooms host exhibitions from The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

If you're an art lover, London's fine picture galleries will present you with many chances to see many of the world's historical masterpieces, and will also introduce you to avant-garde contemporary artists and works.

An ideal place to see some excellent artworks is Manchester, which is shirking its merely industrial image, and is becoming renowned as a city brimming with cultural life.

Situated at Manchester's Waterfront, The Quays, is The Lowry, which is home to the most extensive public collection of works by English artist L S Lowry. Lowry is famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of northern England during the early 1900s. His distinctive artworks are populated by many human figures known as his 'matchstick men'.

Manchester Art Gallery in the city centre, houses one of the country's finest collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. The diverse range of works at the gallery also includes a fascinating collection of costumes and decorative arts.

Liverpool is more than just the birthplace of The Beatles: it's a city full of cultural significance, and this was recognised when it was named European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Liverpool's art museums are world-class, and a must-see for art enthusiasts is definitely the Walker. It's known as the national gallery of the North and houses an exceptional collection which includes works by many of the most well known European Old Masters. Highlights of the museum include paintings by Rembrandt, Monet and Turner.

Part of the Tate family of galleries, the Tate Liverpool is home to the national collection of modern art in the North. Selections from the Tate's national collection are displayed at the gallery in themed exhibitions that change regularly. Like the Tate Modern in London, the Tate Liverpool is situated in interesting surroundings: it is housed in a converted warehouse in the Albert Dock, amongst the well-preserved 19th century industrial buildings.

England's art collections contain works that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. Make sure you feed your eyes and mind by spending a good few hours walking around England's best art galleries.