The 13 Best Contemporary and Visual Art Galleries in Cambridge
Cambridge is famed for being a university town, approximately 55 miles to the north of London. It is a lovely city to wander around and, on a sunny day, there is nothing better than to enjoy punting on the River Cam.
It is also home to a number of exciting art galleries, featuring a wide selection of modern and contemporary artwork, from abstract, figurative, minimalist through to urban and pop art. These gallery spaces make an excellent destination to explore whilst visiting Cambridge.
I have listed 13 of the best contemporary and visual art galleries in Cambridge to help you plan your next cultural visit to the city.
I have included opening times for each gallery that are correct at the time of writing this blog post, but please check the latest information before your visit. If you know of any other galleries that you think should be added to my list, I would love to hear about them!
1. The Heong Gallery
Named after its benefactor, The Heong Gallery is a small modern and contemporary gallery in the centre of Cambridge at Downing College that showcases a multitude of cultures and art work from around the world. The gallery opened in 2016 and is housed in a converted Edwardian stable block, which was transformed by architects Caruso St John, to create a bright and welcoming exhibition space. Admission is free and the gallery is normally open between 12pm and 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Address: Downing College, Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DQ
2. Kettle’s Yard
Kettle’s Yard is a modern and contemporary art gallery at the University of Cambridge. It is located in a charming house overlooking St Peter’s Church. This historic space hosts a number of regular contemporary art exhibitions. It also caters for families and offers a range of free and paid for activities for parents, carers and children of all ages. Admission is free, but a pre-booked ticket is required. Kettle’s Yard is open Wednesday to Sunday between 11am and 5pm.
Address: Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge, Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ
3. Extraordinary Objects
Extraordinary Objects is a fascinating gallery space that displays a wide variety of items, such as contemporary art and sculpture, fossils, minerals and antiquities. Each item is chosen for its ‘extraordinary’ nature and the sense of wonder. Extraordinary Objects is open Wednesday to Saturday 12pm and 5pm.
Address: 14 Green Street, Cambridge, CB2 3JU
4. Gallerie V
Gallerie V is an innovative gallery that seeks to provide support for local young people through education and creative thinking. The gallery space exhibits a variety of mediums and genres. Admission is free and is open Wednesday to Saturday between 1pm and 5pm.
Address: Gallerie V, 13 St John's Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TW
5. Primavera
Primavera is an independent art gallery located at Kings Parade that aims to connect and promote contemporary British art and craft. This gallery and shop is arranged over three floors and displays a wide range of British jewellery, textiles, ceramics, sculptures, silverware and glass. Primavera was founded by Henry Rothschild in 1945 in Sloane Street, London, and the Cambridge branch opened in 1959. Primavera is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Address: Primavera, 10 King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ
6. The Hockney Gallery
The Hockney Gallery displays a large selection of David Hockney's artwork, including original works and prints for sale. The Hockney Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 10.30am and 4pm and Saturday and Sunday between 10.30am and 5pm.
Address: 67 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UR
7. Cambridge Contemporary Art
Cambridge Contemporary Art, located on trinity Street, has been a feature of Cambridge since 1990. This gallery displays over 100 UK-based artists that specialise in handmade prints, paintings, sculptures and crafts. There is a new exhibition every month. Cambridge Contemporary Art is also part of the ‘Own Art’ scheme, which is designed to make it simple and affordable to buy original, high quality contemporary art and craft. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm and Sunday between 11am and 5pm.
Address: Cambridge Contemporary Art, 6 Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1SU
8. Byard Art
Byard Art is a contemporary art gallery in the centre of Cambridge, and directly opposite King’s College Chapel. Byard Art displays a selection of two and three-dimensional exhibitions, and includes a variety of mediums. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 6pm.
Address: Byard Art, 14 King’s Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ
9. Fen Ditton Gallery
Fen Ditton Gallery is located in Fen Ditton on the north-eastern outskirts of Cambridge. This is a family-run contemporary art gallery that regularly hosts an exciting collection of exhibitions and events. The gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays when exhibitions are on.
Address: Fen Ditton Gallery, 23 High Street, Cambridge, CB5 8ST
10. ArtChina
ArtChina is a specialised and niche gallery that introduces the artwork and exhibitions of established and emerging Chinese artists, with a focus on contemporary Chinese art. The gallery has developed links with Chinese artists and art institutes within China. The gallery is open by appointment.
Address: ArtChina, 84 Walpole Road, Cambridge, CB1 3UE
11. The Art Hound Gallery
The Art Hound Gallery is located outside of central Cambridge in a country setting. The gallery is in a converted barn building and exhibits a wide selection of modern and contemporary artwork, including neon art, Urban and Pop Art. The varied collection includes works for sale from 1910 to the present day, encompassing all major Modern Art movements.
Address: The Art Hound Gallery, Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge CB23 7EY
12. Artique Galleries
Artique Galleries has a number of galleries in some of England’s historic towns, including Cambridge. This gallery sells signed limited-edition prints and artworks by internationally acclaimed artists from the UK and around the world. This gallery is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm, Saturday, between 10 and 6pm and Sunday between 11am and 5pm.
Address: 3 Bridge St, Cambridge, CB2 1UA
13. AKA Fine Art
AKA Fine Art is a contemporary art gallery in Cambridge, showcasing established and emerging artists. They have a diverse range of exhibitions and shows, which during 2023 included, Anita Klein’s “Out of the Ordinary” and the “Summer Tour” by AKA contemporary Group. AKA Fine Art has a gallery featuring various artists, including Charlotte Cornish, Laurance Edwards, Jeff Lowe, Sigurdur Olafsson, Kevin Southgate, Denver Sorrell, and others. This gallery is open Wednesday to Friday between 12pm and 5pm and Saturdays between 11am and 5pm.
Address: 54a Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7AA
I hope you have found my list of galleries in Cambridge useful. If you have visited any of these galleries, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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