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Yale Center for British Art: A Masterpiece of British Art and Architecture

Explore five centuries of British art at Yale Center for British Art, home to the most comprehensive collection outside the UK. Free admission!

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The Yale Center for British Art in New Haven houses the most extensive collection of British art outside the UK, spanning from the Elizabethan period to the present. Designed by Louis I. Kahn, the building itself is a celebrated example of modernist architecture, offering a unique setting for exploring British art and culture. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.

A brief summary to Yale Center for British Art

Local tips

  • Admission is free, but consider donating to support the museum's programs and conservation efforts.
  • Download the Bloomberg Connects app for an in-depth guide to the collection and the building's architecture.
  • Check the museum's website for upcoming exhibitions, lectures, and events.
  • Visit Atticus Bookstore and Cafe on the ground level or Harvest Wine Bar and Restaurant for dining options.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the New Haven Green, walk south on Chapel Street. The Yale Center for British Art is located at 1080 Chapel Street, approximately a 15-minute walk. The museum will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    From Union Station, take the free CT Transit Shuttle or Yale University Shuttle (Monday–Friday) to the New Haven Green. From there, walk south on Chapel Street to 1080 Chapel Street. Alternatively, take CT Transit bus 272 to the museum. The bus fare is typically around $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 47 to Downtown New Haven/Rt 34. Take the exit to York Street and turn right. Follow York Street through two traffic lights, and the LAZ parking lot is on the right. Parking at the LAZ lot at 161 York Street or the LAZ garage at 150 York Street typically costs $10-$20 for a few hours. Metered street parking is also available, but limited, and in effect until 9pm, Monday through Saturday.

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Discover more about Yale Center for British Art

The Yale Center for British Art (YCBA) is more than just a museum; it's a journey through British art, culture, and history, housed in an architectural masterpiece. Founded in 1966 by Paul Mellon, who gifted his extensive collection to Yale University, the center boasts the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. The collection includes over 2,000 paintings, 250 sculptures, 20,000 drawings and watercolors, and 40,000 prints, rare books, and manuscripts dating from the fifteenth century to the present. The YCBA's collection showcases the evolution of British art, with works by iconic artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Joshua Reynolds. Visitors can explore various themes and periods within British art through the center's rotating exhibitions. The center also hosts a range of educational programs, lectures, and workshops. The building, designed by Louis I. Kahn, is celebrated for its innovative use of natural light and its harmonious blend of modernist design and classic elegance. Kahn's design incorporates natural materials like travertine marble, white oak, concrete, and Belgian linen, creating a dignified environment for the art. The building opened to the public in 1977, after Kahn's death.

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