The RWA – Bristol's first art gallery - is proud to bring world-class visual art from around the world to the South West.
Their vision is to be the South West's leading centre for the exhibition, exploration and practice of the visual arts, recognised as a place that enriches and nourishes the lives of people from all communities and backgrounds.
Where is Royal West of England Academy located?
The RWA is located in the heart of Bristol and is open throughout the year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. Closed on Mondays, except spring and summer Bank Holiday Mondays (11am-5pm).
What is the history of Royal West of England Academy to the present day?
Ellen Sharples left £2,000 to the Bristol Academy for the Promotion of Fine Arts when she died. This sum, together with an earlier gift from her and money donated by other supporters, enabled the erection of a fine building in 1858 to house the Academy. This was to be Bristol's first art gallery.
In 1913 a major extension to the front of the building, including a dome and spectacular ceiling lunettes painted by Walter Crane.
In 2010 the RWA to made further improvements to the gallery spaces, including the introduction of climate control measures. This has allowed the gallery to host exhibitions of works on loan from national and regional collections, who demand the highest standards of environmental control.
What is there to see and do at Royal West of England Academy?
Main exhibitions are held upstairs in the beautiful, purpose-built galleries, described by art critic Andrew Lambirth as 'a jewel in the crown of England's exhibiting venues'.
