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Grundy Art Gallery

A free contemporary art gallery in Blackpool’s town centre, showcasing UK and international artists in a light-filled Edwardian building.

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Housed in a striking Edwardian building on Blackpool’s Queen Street, Grundy Art Gallery is a free contemporary art space with a growing national reputation. It presents a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions featuring established and emerging UK and international artists, alongside highlights from its own collection of over 2,000 works. The gallery’s light-filled rooms, welcoming atmosphere and artist-led shop make it a thoughtful stop between the town’s more famous seaside attractions.

A brief summary to Grundy Art Gallery

  • Tuesday 10 am-4:45 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:45 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:45 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:45 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:45 pm

Local tips

  • Check the gallery’s website before visiting, as it closes between exhibitions for installation and is not open on Sundays, Mondays or bank holidays.
  • Visit midweek if possible; the gallery is quieter on Tuesday–Thursday, offering a more contemplative experience.
  • Allow time to browse the gallery shop, which features artist-made jewellery, creative toys, art books and unique souvenirs.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the promenade or a trip to the nearby Winter Gardens to make a full day of Blackpool’s cultural and seaside offerings.
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Getting There

  • On foot from Blackpool town centre

    From the main shopping streets around Talbot Square and the Winter Gardens, it’s a 5–10 minute walk along pedestrianised routes to Queen Street. The gallery is clearly visible on the corner, with level access from the pavement.

  • By Blackpool Tram

    Take the Blackpool Tram to the North Pier or Talbot Square stop, then walk 5–10 minutes through the town centre to Queen Street. Trams run frequently along the promenade and connect major hotels, piers and attractions.

  • By bus from Blackpool South or Fleetwood

    Local buses serving Blackpool town centre (routes from South Shore, Fleetwood and surrounding areas) stop within a 5–10 minute walk of the gallery. From the main bus stops near Talbot Square, follow signs for the town centre and Queen Street.

  • By car with town centre parking

    Drive to one of Blackpool’s central car parks (such as Talbot Square or the Winter Gardens car park) and walk 5–10 minutes to Queen Street. Parking is pay-and-display; spaces can be limited on busy days, especially in summer.

Grundy Art Gallery location weather suitability

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Discover more about Grundy Art Gallery

A Beacon of Contemporary Art in Blackpool

Nestled in the heart of Blackpool on Queen Street, Grundy Art Gallery stands as a serious and ambitious space for contemporary visual art in a town better known for its piers and illuminations. Opened in 1911 following a bequest from local artist brothers John and Cuthbert Grundy, the gallery has evolved into a respected venue that regularly hosts touring exhibitions from major UK institutions as well as new commissions and solo shows by emerging and established artists. Its programme is deliberately challenging and relevant, offering a counterpoint to the town’s entertainment-focused identity while engaging deeply with current artistic debates.

Inside the Edwardian Gallery Space

The gallery occupies a handsome Edwardian building with tall windows that flood the main exhibition rooms with natural light, creating an ideal environment for viewing paintings, sculpture, photography and new media works. The layout is intimate rather than sprawling, encouraging close looking and contemplation. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, so each visit can feel like a fresh encounter with contemporary practice, whether that’s a major touring show, a thematic group exhibition or a focused presentation of a single artist’s work. The permanent collection of over 2,000 items – including oil paintings, watercolours, drawings, sculpture and light-based works – is not on permanent display but is drawn on to enrich the temporary programme.

More Than Just an Exhibition Space

Beyond the galleries, Grundy functions as a hub for creative engagement. It runs a free programme of talks, workshops and guided tours that invite visitors to think more deeply about the work on view. The gallery shop is a highlight in itself, specialising in artist-made jewellery, creative toys, arts journals, exhibition publications and a curated selection of cards, prints and Grundy-branded items like tote bags and tea towels. This thoughtful retail offering extends the gallery experience and supports makers and designers, making it a rewarding place to browse even if an exhibition isn’t currently running.

Planning Your Visit

The gallery is free to enter, making it an accessible cultural stop in the town centre. It is open Tuesday to Saturday during exhibition periods, with a break between shows for installation. Because it closes for changeovers, it’s wise to check the current exhibition dates and opening times online before making a special trip. The location on Queen Street places it within easy walking distance of the town’s main shopping streets, tram stops and other central attractions, allowing it to be comfortably combined with a broader day out in Blackpool. Staff are typically approachable and happy to discuss the current show, enhancing the sense of a welcoming, community-minded institution.

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