Top 5 Art Galleries in Bristol
Posted on: 19 May 2015Bristol has long held its proud reputation as one of the artistic epicentres of the UK. Buzzing, creative and vibrant, the city is renowned for its creative credentials and artistic achievements.
Here are 5 of the best art galleries in Bristol.
Spike Island
A stone's throw from the ss Great Britain and the 365Bristol offices at Aardman Animations, Spike Island primarily focuses on art and design and audio installations. They put on impressively sized shows and the majority of them are free. There are also regular talks by visiting or resident artists with plenty of workshops for kids and adults.
View Art Gallery
View is an art gallery that stands up for what it believes in. Like it or loathe their displays, there's always an interesting, eclectic mix of art work on offer here. At the end of Hotwell Road it might be out the way but it's an artistic treasure trove of fun, quirky, offbeat offerings. Dynamic, fresh, interesting and consistently compelling works by some of the UK's most interesting and challenging artists. Apparently they're moving to Clifton soon, but follow them wherever they go - it's worth the visit.
Grant Bradley Art Gallery
Plonked right next to Asda in the middle of Bedminster it is probably the least likely of places you'd expect to find an art gallery. It was built in 1914 by the Wills family as a theatre and library to the employees, but has since come into its own as one of the finest artistic institutions in the region, showcasing art, exhibitions and sculptures that enthralls, challenges and excites. Nice little cafe area, too.
Cube Gallery
Surrounded by shops selling, amongst other things, violins, tattoos and antiques, Cube Gallery displays an intriguing, diverse range of contemporary art work, including sculpture, photography, abstract oils and ceramics. Friendly staff who encourage you to actively walk round and peruse, the exhibitions change every two weeks, sometimes more frequently. A Park Row artistic paradise. For more information visit www.cube-gallery.co.uk.
Arnolfini
No list of top Bristol art galleries would be complete without an entry for the Arnolfini, one of the city's premiere artistic hubs. Three floors of artistic excellence house regularly changing exhibitions from traditional to the head-scratchingly bizarre. Live events, workshops and one-off performances take place throughout the year, and the bookshop is brilliant. Summer time also makes it a great place to grab a beer and rest against the wall to take in the rays (or dangle your feet over the dock).
Think of any other great artistic emporiums? Let us know through our Contact Page.