Top 7 Art Galleries in Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic city in Kent that attracts tourists from all over the world each year. With its cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, it's no surprise that Canterbury is a popular destination for visitors in the UK.
But Canterbury isn't just known for its history and culture; it's also home to some impressive art galleries. In this article I have listed the top 7 art galleries that Canterbury has to offer.
If you are visiting the area, you may also be interested in the blog articles about Whitstable and Margate, which provide further information about places to visit in these nearby towns.
The details in this blog post are correct at the time of writing, but please check current information on the gallery websites before your visit.
1. Studio 3 Gallery
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm, Closed Bank Holidays
Address: Studio 3 Gallery, University of Kent, Jarman Building, Canterbury, CT2 7UG
The Studio 3 Gallery forms part of the School of Arts at the University of Kent. This gallery presents a diverse and exceptional program of art exhibitions and events that are open to the public. The gallery features a unique blend of art historical scholarships and cutting-edge contemporary art. It collaborates with renowned artists such as Ana Maria Pacheco, Laure Prouvost, John Blackburn and Paul Coldwell.
The Studio 3 Gallery provides opportunities for students, especially those studying History of Art, to actively participate in all aspects of the gallery's operation. It is also dedicated to widening access to the arts and higher education in Kent, reaching out to schools and colleges through various programs.
The Studio 3 Gallery is situated just a short ten-minute walk from Canterbury West train station, there is also a bus service to the university and car parking on site.
2. The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Admission: Free, but a charge may apply for certain special exhibitions and events
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday, 11am to 4pm
Address: The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, 18 High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2RA
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is a museum, art gallery, Library and Visitor Information Centre situated in the heart of Canterbury. This museum has a number of gallery rooms featuring a cross-section of artworks including:
The Garden Room - The Garden Room is dedicated to the work of prominent Canterbury-born artist Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803 – 1902).
People and Places Room - This room displays artworks that covers a 500 year period, displaying works from Baroque court painter Anthony Van Dyke to contemporary Pop Artist David Hockney. The artworks cover a range of art styles and techniques from painting, print, pottery to sculpture. There are portraits of all sorts of people from local landowners to Canterbury pilgrims, as well as images of historic Canterbury and the Kentish countryside.
The Front Room - The Front Room is a contemporary gallery space that is available for community groups, creatives and cultural organisations to share their work and organisae their own exhibitions.
Materials and Masters Room - This room examines raw materials in detail, from rocks in the earth to the life on its surface and the effect and influence upon art. This room also includes a collection of 16th Century Dutch oil paintings.
3. Lilford Gallery
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 11am to 4pm
The Lilford Gallery in Canterbury is an independent gallery that boasts a range of art that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The Lilford Gallery showcases a diverse collection of original works and prints from an impressive range of artists, including Elizabeth Akehurst, Sir Peter Blake, Banksy, Blek le Rat, Catman, and Harry Adams, to name just a few.
4. Stark Gallery
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm
Stark Gallery in Canterbury hosts a regular selection of exhibitions, featuring some of the best local artists in the area.
The Stark Gallery offers an incredible range of art, from striking paintings to breathtaking photography, lino prints, screen prints, etchings, and more. Additionally, the gallery showcases glass, ceramics, woodwork, and jewellery - making it the perfect place to find a unique piece to add to your collection.
One of the things that really sets the Stark Gallery apart is its informal layout. The space is designed to make visitors feel at ease and allows you to visualise how the artwork might look in your own home.
5. Canterbury Glass Art
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Address: Canterbury Glass Art, Glass Art, 54 Palace St, Canterbury, CT1 2DY
Canterbury Glass Art is a different kind of gallery. and workshop. Home to the Minster Glass Studio, this gallery offers visitors a chance to browse the stunning array of glass creations on display. The collections include delicate and intricate figurines to dazzling jewellery.
6. Artique Galleries
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm
Address: Artique Galleries, 17 Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury CT1 2TJ
One of the things that makes Artique Galleries special is its focus on showcasing a diverse range of artwork that balances tradition and heritage with a contemporary style and execution. You will find limited edition prints, original artworks and stunning sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists.
7. Castle Fine Art
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm
Address: Castle Fine Art, 41-42 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW
Castle Fine Art is located in a beautiful Grade II listed building, and the gallery spans over three floors, exhibiting works from many popular artists. Castle Fine Art has a network of galleries across the UK, and is one of the leading art retailers.
I hope you have found this blog post helpful. If you have visited Canterbury and know of any other art galleries you think I should include, please email me at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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