The gallery opened in April 1939 in Southampton’s Civic Centre, the art gallery attracts art-lovers, curious amateurs as well as those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a gallery. Southampton City Art Gallery offers the opportunity to enjoy high quality exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and drawing, to photography and film, as well as permanent collection and displays that change regularly to ensuring new experiences with each visit.

Southampton City Art Gallery is internationally renowned for its permanent collection which features around 3,700 works. These span eight centuries and tell the story of western art from the Renaissance to the present day. The core of the collection is twentieth century and contemporary British art. Strong clusters within this include Post-Impressionism (notably the Camden Town Group), Surrealism, St Ives and progressive contemporary art from the mid-1970s.

Free to enter and conveniently located right next to SeaCity Museum, the venue caters for families. You can enjoy gallery trails through the exhibitions, monthly art clubs and a fantastic range of activities for all ages.

Temporary Opening Hours

Tuesday & Thursday: 11am – 3pm

Saturday: 11am – 4pm

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Closed

There is also a café and shop, which can be enjoyed by visitors without needing to pay for admission to the museum proper. The café is conveniently located on the ground floor.

Permanent Exhibitions at SeaCity Museum

Southampton’s Titanic Story

The main area of SeaCity Museum tells the story of the impact on Southampton of the sinking in 1912 of the White Star liner Titanic. Through a fascinating 1:25 scale, interactive model of the ship, visitorsof all ages are given an insight into the lives of the crew aboard the Titanic, many of whom were Southampton residents.

Gateway to the World

Using the city’s unique historic collections this permanent display recounts the stories of people who have departed from or arrived in the port of Southampton over the last 200,000 years, from the earliest settlers to the stories of people living in the city today.

Temporary special exhibitions

The Pavilion at SeaCity Museum is home to a rolling programme of special exhibitions so there is something new to see when you visit. See our website for more information.

Opening Hours

SeaCity Museum is open 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm including Bank Holidays.

We suggest that you allow between two and three hours to explore SeaCity Museum. We close at 5pm, so it’s best to arrive before 3pm so you can enjoy the full experience at your leisure. Unfortunately there will be no entry after 4pm.