Leeds Art Gallery: A Premier Hub of British Modern and Contemporary Art
Discover a world-class collection of British art in Leeds’ historic gallery with free entry, dynamic exhibitions, and a stunning Victorian café.
Leeds Art Gallery, located on The Headrow in the heart of Leeds city centre, is a free-admission gallery renowned for its outstanding collection of 20th-century British paintings and sculptures. Housed in a striking Grade II* listed building, it features works by artists such as Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, and Jacob Epstein. The gallery also offers dynamic temporary exhibitions, a historic tiled hall café, and family-friendly creative spaces, making it a cultural highlight for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to Leeds Art Gallery
- The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA, GB
- +441133785350
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and more peaceful gallery exploration.
- Take a break at the beautifully restored Victorian Tiled Hall Café, a highlight of the gallery’s architecture.
- Check the gallery’s website for current exhibitions and workshops, including family-friendly activities.
- Photography is generally not allowed inside the galleries, but you can capture the impressive exterior and café.
- Consider donating £5 to support the gallery’s ongoing programs and maintenance; donations are welcome but not mandatory.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Leeds Train Station, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk through the city centre to Leeds Art Gallery. The route is mostly flat and accessible, making it suitable for most travelers. No additional cost beyond train fare.
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Bus
Several city centre bus routes stop near The Headrow, within a 5-minute walk of the gallery. Buses run frequently throughout the day with tickets costing around £2-£4 depending on the route and operator.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber can drop visitors directly at The Headrow. Travel times vary from 5 to 15 minutes from central Leeds locations, with fares typically between £5 and £10.
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Car and Parking
Visitors arriving by car can use nearby city centre parking facilities such as the Q-Park or NCP car parks. Parking fees vary but expect around £3-£5 per hour. Note that The Headrow is a busy pedestrian area, so parking is best booked in advance.
Leeds 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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Low-Visibility Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Leeds Art Gallery
A Storied Architectural Landmark in Leeds
Leeds Art Gallery stands prominently on The Headrow, occupying a distinguished Grade II* listed building that reflects the city's rich architectural heritage. The gallery is physically connected to the adjacent Leeds Central Library via a bridge and neighbors the Henry Moore Institute, with which it shares a close artistic relationship. The building itself is notable for its elegant Victorian tiled hall café, a beautifully restored space that invites visitors to pause and enjoy refreshments amid historic surroundings.Celebrated Collections of British Art
The gallery's permanent collection is nationally recognized, especially for its 20th-century British paintings and sculptures. Visitors encounter masterpieces by Edward Armitage, Auguste Rodin, Francis Bacon, Henry Moore, Evelyn De Morgan, Antony Gormley, and Jacob Epstein. Iconic sculptures such as Henry Moore’s "Reclining Woman: Elbow" greet visitors at the entrance, while the interior houses Leeds' oldest civic sculpture, a marble statue of Queen Anne from 1712. The lower galleries focus on 19th-century and earlier works, alongside sculpture and rotating exhibitions, while upper floors showcase contemporary pieces and thematic displays.Dynamic Exhibitions and Community Engagement
Leeds Art Gallery maintains a vibrant program of temporary exhibitions and events that engage diverse audiences. Recent exhibitions, such as "Another Way of Seeing," explore multisensory approaches to art, inviting visitors to experience works through touch, sound, and smell. The gallery also hosts workshops, family-friendly activities in its Artspace, and artist residencies, fostering creativity and learning. It plays a key role in the Yorkshire Sculpture International partnership, celebrating the region’s sculptural excellence.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Entry to Leeds Art Gallery is free, with a suggested donation of £5 to support its operations. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 11am to 3pm, closed Mondays and public holidays. Accessibility features include lifts to all floors. The Tiled Hall Café offers a charming setting for refreshments, and the adjoining shop features artisan products inspired by the gallery’s collections. Families benefit from interactive spaces where children can draw and engage with art materials.Location and Cultural Significance
Situated in Leeds city centre, the gallery is easily accessible and forms a cultural cornerstone alongside the Central Library and Henry Moore Institute. It contributes significantly to Leeds’ identity as a vibrant arts destination, showcasing British art history and contemporary creativity. The gallery’s commitment to inclusivity and education ensures it remains a welcoming space for all visitors, from solo travelers to families.Artistic Highlights and Noteworthy Works
Among the must-see pieces are Armitage’s dramatic painting "Retribution," Rodin’s "The Age of Bronze," and a notable collection of Victorian art in the Arnold Ziff Gallery. The gallery’s sculpture collection includes works that span from classical to modernist styles, offering a comprehensive overview of British art evolution. Visitors can also explore the Art Library, which houses extensive resources including books, journals, and exhibition catalogues, enriching the art experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Leeds War Memorial
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Civic Hall
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Statue of John Harrison
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Holy Trinity Church
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Seven Arts
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Chapel Allerton Spaces
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Chapel Allerton, Leeds
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Willow Tree
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Kirkwood
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Tingley park
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The Electric Press
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Nelson Mandela Gardens
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The Carriageworks Theatre
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Leeds Cathedral
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The Light the Headrow
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Park Square
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Essential places to dine
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San Carlo - Leeds
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Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, Leeds
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Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill - Leeds
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Bar Soba Leeds
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The Oxford Place
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Fleur Restaurant and Bar Leeds
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Turtle Bay Leeds
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Tattu Leeds
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Crown Jewels Wax Melts
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Digital Shop
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Gems Leeds
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Celeb Boutique
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The Works
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Pop Boutique
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The Yorkshire Soap Company - Leeds
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Montblanc Boutique Leeds
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Grand Arcade
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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ULTRA
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
