Step into a striking five-story structure clad in pale terracotta, where the scent of Douglas fir wood and the presence of raw concrete define the atmosphere of one of the West Midlands' most architecturally distinct spaces. Located in Gallery Square, The New Art Gallery Walsall offers an expansive interior designed to house both historical masterpieces and contemporary installations.
Explore a World of Masterpieces
The heart of your visit lies in the Garman Ryan Collection, a permanent fixture of the gallery since 1973. Here, you can stand before significant works by modern masters, including an extensive selection of sculptures and paintings by Jacob Epstein. The collection also features prominent European artists; look for pieces by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Turner, Corot, Renoir, and Constable across various formats, including sketches, drawings, and prints.
Beyond the permanent holdings, you can explore a diverse range of municipal works dating back to 1892. These include Victorian paintings by Frank Holl and Briton Rivière, alongside contemporary pieces by artists such as Catherine Yass, Robert Priseman, and Fiona Banner. The gallery also houses the Epstein Archive, a collection of personal documents—photings, manuscripts, and correspondence—that offer an intimate look into the life of Jacob Epstein.
Experience Contemporary Spaces
The building provides several distinct environments for viewing art:
- The Sculpture Terrace: Located on the fourth floor, this area was specifically designed by Sarah Staton to provide a dedicated space for outdoor sculpture.
- Temporary Exhibition Galleries: Situated on the third and fourth floors, these spaces host rotating displays ranging from historic works to contemporary pieces by international artists such as Damien Hirst and Yinka Shonibare.
- The Art Library: If you wish to delve deeper into culture or research the building's award-winning architecture, a public library provides access to a specialist collection of books and journals.
Maximize Your Visit
Entry to the gallery is free, making it an accessible destination for any length of stay. To make the most of your visit, spend time exploring both the permanent collections and the rotating temporary exhibitions. The large gallery space on the fourth floor, featuring an eight-metre high ceiling, provides a particularly grand setting for viewing art. If you need a break from the galleries, a cafe is located on the ground floor.
While you are in Walsall, you might also consider visiting the nearby Church of Saint Matthew, Coal Barque 'Surprise', Monarch on the Run, The Royal Crown, or The Royal Oak.
Start planning your visit to experience this unique blend of bold architecture and significant art collections for yourself.