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Art Galleries in Southampton

These days everywhere in Britain seems to be a city of culture but few places can genuinely match Southampton's cultural offerings: Outstanding art galleries, two magnificent theatres, countless concerts, festivals and events. Whether you want to see new films or classic ballets, hear traditional jazz or the latest garage, admire paintings or photographs, you'll find it in Southampton.

The magnificent City Art Gallery has over 3,500 works of art covering six centuries of European culture from the Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism. Its core collection of 20th Century British art is internationally renowned. Already voted Fine Art Museum of the Year in 1994, the City Art Gallery was described in 2003 as 'one of the best place outside London to see British modern art and studio ceramics' (The Independent 3 July 2003).

The Bargate Monument Gallery

Southampton's most historic monument is now open to the public . The 800 year old monument stands at the heart of Southampton's City Centre.

The Bargate has been refurbished and given a new lease of life as a contemporary art gallery and home to the arts organisation A Space. It is open to the public

Wednesday-Friday 11.00-6.00

Saturday and Sunday 12.00-5.00.

Monday and Tuesday is viewing by appointment only.

Entry is free. The gallery will be closed to the public between the exhibition dates while the new work is being installed.

The Art Vaults in Southampton will be open from 12th July to 21st September 2008 weekends only.

The John Hansard Gallery was created in 1980 at the University of Southampton to combine the University's fine art and special photographic collection. Widely regarded as one of the best places in the country to see contemporary visual art, the gallery also hosts seminars, talks and workshops.

The Millais Gallery at the Southampton Institute focuses in particular on the work of young artists and designers. Original works of art can be viewed and purchased too at the On-Line Gallery in Bedford Place.

The Spice Art Studios located just outside the City Centre is a contemporary art gallery exhibiting the works of Hampshire based artists. Artist studio spaces and public art and craft classes are available.