Victoria Art Gallery, Bath
Discover Bath’s rich artistic heritage at Victoria Art Gallery, home to British masterpieces and dynamic exhibitions in a stunning historic setting.
Victoria Art Gallery is Bath’s public art museum located on Bridge Street, featuring a rich collection of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Housed in a Grade II* listed building, it showcases British oil paintings from the 17th century to the present, including works by Gainsborough and Walter Sickert. The gallery offers free entry to its permanent collection and hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, making it a cultural highlight in Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage city centre.
A brief summary to Victoria Art Gallery
- Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT, GB
- +441225477233
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Entry to the permanent collection is free; some temporary exhibitions require a ticket.
- The gallery is closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays; open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm.
- Accessibility features include ramped entrance, lift, and accessible toilets.
- Check the gallery’s website for details on current temporary exhibitions and events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Several local bus routes serve stops within 300 meters of Victoria Art Gallery, with frequent service from Bath city centre. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4 depending on distance, and journeys typically take 10-20 minutes from Bath Spa railway station.
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Train and Walk
Arrive at Bath Spa railway station, then enjoy a 20-minute walk through the historic city centre to Bridge Street, where the gallery is located. The walk is mostly flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Taxi
Taxis from Bath Spa station to Victoria Art Gallery take around 5-10 minutes, costing approximately £6-£10. This option is convenient for visitors with limited mobility or carrying luggage.
Victoria Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Victoria Art Gallery
A Cultural Jewel in Bath's Historic Core
Victoria Art Gallery stands proudly on Bridge Street in Bath, Somerset, as a beacon of the city’s rich artistic heritage. Opened in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the gallery occupies a distinguished Grade II* listed building designed by John McKean Brydon. Its classical façade is adorned with a statue of Queen Victoria and intricate friezes, reflecting the architectural elegance of the late 19th century. The gallery’s central location within Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage Site places it amidst the city’s celebrated Georgian architecture and historic landmarks.An Extensive and Diverse Art Collection
The gallery houses over 1,500 works spanning paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Its permanent collection highlights British oil paintings dating from the 17th century through to contemporary pieces, featuring renowned artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker, Walter Sickert, and Paul Klee. The collection also includes a notable Tudor portrait of Henry VIII, attributed to the style of Holbein, and a remarkable display of coloured glass objects including perfume bottles and drinking glasses. These treasures provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of British art history and Bath’s local artistic legacy.Engaging Temporary Exhibitions and Community Programs
Beyond its permanent collection, Victoria Art Gallery hosts a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions that change every few months, showcasing both international and local artists across historical and contemporary themes. The gallery actively engages with the community through workshops, talks, and special sessions tailored for schools and visually impaired visitors, including sign language interpretation upon request. This commitment to accessibility and education enriches the visitor experience and fosters inclusive cultural participation.Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
Accessibility is a priority at Victoria Art Gallery, with level access provided via a ramped entrance on Bridge Street and an internal lift accommodating wheelchair users. The gallery features accessible toilets and offers assistance for disabled visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Facilities include a gift shop and seating areas, enhancing comfort during visits. The gallery operates Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm, and is closed on Mondays except for Bank Holidays.Artistic and Architectural Significance
The gallery’s architectural design complements its artistic mission, blending historic charm with modern functionality. Its intimate size allows for a relaxed viewing experience without overwhelming visitors, making it ideal for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors. The building’s heritage status and carefully curated exhibitions contribute to Bath’s reputation as a cultural destination, offering a unique glimpse into British art and history within an elegant setting.Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to Victoria Art Gallery can immerse themselves in a tranquil and inspiring atmosphere, surrounded by masterpieces that span centuries. The gallery’s blend of historic and contemporary art invites reflection and discovery, while its central location offers easy access to Bath’s other cultural attractions. Whether exploring the permanent collection or attending a special exhibition, the gallery provides a rich, educational, and aesthetically pleasing experience in the heart of one of England’s most beautiful cities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The EASTGATE
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The Pump Room Restaurant
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Monks Mill
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Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
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Archway
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Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
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National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
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The Circus
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Bath Quays Waterside
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Herschel Museum of Astronomy
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Green Park Station
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Museum of Bath at Work
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Sydney Gardens
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No. 1 Royal Crescent
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bath Guildhall Market
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800 years of trading beneath a Victorian dome—Bath's authentic heart of independent commerce.
Pulteney Bridge
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An elegant 18th-century Palladian bridge in Bath with unique shops spanning both sides, blending history, commerce, and stunning river views.
Grand Parade
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Historic Georgian riverside promenade in Bath with stunning views, elegant gardens, and rich cultural heritage by the River Avon.
Pulteney weir
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The Corridor Bath
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Hen Weekends in Bath
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Celebrate your hen weekend in style at Beau Nash House, Bath’s vibrant venue blending historic charm with lively entertainment.
Argyle St & Pulteney Bridge
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An iconic Georgian crossroads where historic Argyle Street meets the architecturally unique Pulteney Bridge spanning the River Avon.
Bath Abbey
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Bath City Parade Gardens
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Marshal Wade's House
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A rare early 18th-century Palladian townhouse in Bath’s historic heart, blending classical elegance with rich heritage and modern comfort.
Beazer Garden Maze
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Bath Walking Tours
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Explore Bath’s rich history and stunning architecture on expert-led walking tours from Abbey Courtyard.
Prince Bladud and the Pig
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Fudge Kitchen Ltd - Bath
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Bath Ghost Tours
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Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Bath
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Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant
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Joya Italian Steakhouse
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Jars Meze
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Browns Bath
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The Hive Bar & Kitchen
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Chez Dominique
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Bonghy Bo
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Antica Bath Restaurant
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The Herd Steak Restaurant
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Bill's Bath Restaurant
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Ponte Vecchio
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Bath’s finest Italian restaurant in a converted riverside boathouse, with stunning views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir.
Côte Bath
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OAK Restaurant
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The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Bath Bazaar
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A Nice Little Shop
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Wadswick - Bath
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TILLIUS
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The Antique Map Shop
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Anthropologie
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Vintage Abs Bath
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Firefly Vintage Bath
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The Silver Shop Of Bath
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Beats Of Bath
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Bluebells of Bath
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Fancy That of London
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Orange Grove Gifts and Souvenirs
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Wood & Burr
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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All Bar One Bath
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Opium Bar
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The Old Green Tree
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Belushi's Bath
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Sleight Magic Bar
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The Botanist Bath
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Fidel Rum Bar
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The Hideout
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The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
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ArtBar
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Vino Vino
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Revolution Bath
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Komedia
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Zero / Zero
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Sub 13
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Lomah
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Second Bridge
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The Tub
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Motion
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Dare to Club
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The Loco Klub
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Thekla
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Popworld - Bristol
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Lakota
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PRYZM
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly