RWA (Royal West of England Academy)
With a National Art Pass you get
Set up by a group of artists in the mid 19th century, the RWA (Royal West of England Academy) was Bristol's first art gallery, and features the RWA Annual Open Exhibition.
The RWA is the UK's only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built gallery. Located in a Grade II* listed building in the heart of Bristol, the historic institution offers a diverse range of exhibitions, events, and activities, bringing world-class visual art from around the world to the South West since 1844.
Exhibitions
The RWA hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, from painting and sculpture to photography and printmaking. Exhibitions feature work by leading contemporary artists (including the RWA’s own Academicians) alongside great works from the past, often brought to the city and region for the first time. Look out for the annual open exhibition which has been running for over 170 years.
RWA collection
The RWA’s Permanent Collection includes significant works by Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Dod Procter, Carel Weight, Ann Redpath and Julian Trevelyan, twentieth century artists with close connections to Bristol and the West of England.
Things to do
The Academy often hosts special events, such as artist talks and lectures. The RWA Drawing School also runs workshops for both beginners and experienced artists. There is also a wide range of family-friendly activities to choose from including children’s galleries, events and creative workshops.
Visitor information
Address
Queen's Road, Bristol, Greater Bristol, BS8 1PX
01179 735129
Opening times
Join us in our transformed building from May 2022.
Exclusions and safety measures
Reopening after major refurbishment on 2 May 2022. Facilities now include large new lift; expanded cafe; family-friendly activity space; changing places toilet facility; free-to-access spaces on all floors. Admission charged for major exhibitions; half price for Art Fund members and free for all under 21s and all students.
