Art Galleries in Bradford

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

Bradford has a long legacy of visual art, with giants such as David Hockney, photographer Ian Beesley and multidisciplinary artist Shanaz Gulzar hailing from this culturally rich city. There are plenty of art galleries in Bradford and the surrounding areas, where you can experience the work of big names in the visual art world as well as work from the thriving local scene.

Expect to see innovative exhibitions and fresh perspectives

The top place to go for big names and thought provoking exhibits is Impressions Gallery. This diverse hub of photographic art in the heart of Bradford exhibits photographers from around the world, using different aesthetics, techniques and styles to present social issues which often resonate with communities here. Having opened in 1972 as the first specialist photography gallery in the UK, they have changed public opinion on the medium, giving artists the space to challenge and further this art form.

Still in the city centre, but on the other side of the spectrum, is Fuse Art Space. This dynamic space is host to visual art, film screenings, performance art and gigs. It’s the space where you’ll find new work from upcoming artists working with a mix of often interdisciplinary mediums. Expect to see innovative exhibitions and fresh perspectives.

Further afield on the outskirts of the city, in Thornton, is the South Square Centre. This collection of cottages now houses galleries, an archive and artist studios, which contain all manner of local creatives. The exhibitions here often have a mixture of local input as well as external curators. After an afternoon of gallery viewing, there is a handily situated cafe and pub in the group of buildings, all of which line the perimeter of South Square.

Scroll down to find out more about art galleries in Bradford.

Our top picks

Impressions Gallery

Impressions Gallery, Aldermanbury, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1SD - Visit now

As the leading gallery of photographic arts in the UK, Impressions is making photography accessible, inspiring and approachable for everyone.

impressions
Impressions Gallery

Fuse Art Space

Fuse Art Space, 7 Rawson Place, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 3JP - Visit now

Fuse is a new and exciting venue where multidisciplinary art forms meet a full spectrum of live performance; this dynamic space is broadening the artistic minds of Bradford and beyond.

fuse
Fuse Art Space

The South Square Centre

The South Square Centre, Thornton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD13 3LD - Visit now

Based in the village of Thornton, the South Square Centre is a collection of 19th century workers cottages that now house a gallery, cafe, pub and more. 

South Square Centre

Cliffe Castle Museum

Cliffe Castle Museum, Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 6LQ - Visit now

In addition to the museum’s fixed galleries, Cliffe Castle’s temporary exhibitions often feature contemporary art works responding to local issues.

Cliffe Castle Museum
Image courtesy of Stephen Craven / Cliffe Castle museum, Keighley.

Bradford Industrial Museum

Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Mills, Moorside Road, Eccleshill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD2 3HP - Visit now

As with Cliffe Castle, Bradford Industrial Museum often works with contemporary artists to create new exhibitions. Through art, the organisation can present their account of our history through a modern filter.

Courtesy of Bradford Museums and Galleries

Where to go in Bradford

Salts Mill
Bradford
Gallery
Hockney 1853 Gallery

For a David Hockney fan, this is the place to be. Visit this lesser known gem for access to the beautiful collections of legendary David Hockney.

Bradford
Gallery
Tinker Gallery

Ilkley’s contemporary art gallery, set up by artist Joanne Tinker, is a studio space in combination with a gallery.

Bradford
Theatre
Ilkley Playhouse

The Playhouse has a well established season of productions, also used as a venue for events, including the popular Ilkley Literature Festival.

Bradford
Tourist Attraction
Victoria Hall

Saltaire’s Victoria Hall is a beautiful 15th century Italian inspired building first opened to the public in 1871.

Bradford
Bar or Pub
SALT Beer Factory

SALT Beer Factory, named after the village of Saltaire where they first began, pride themselves making delicious craft beer for those who love it.

Bradford
Theatre
Tapestry Arts

Tapestry Arts is a live-music venue and bar, arts complex and theatre all rolled into one.

Bradford
Restaurant
Paratha Box

The flaky, buttery flatbread of Partha Box has opened in Bradford – to the joy of all those local.

Bradford
Restaurant
SakkuSamba

Japanese sushi meets Brazilian Grill in a fantastic melding of cuisine. This gem in Bradford is not only quirky in concept but delicious in execution.

Bradford
Museum
Bagshaw Museum

‘Eclectic’ is the name of the game at the Bagshaw Museum in Batley. Their collections are varied but not lacking in quality.

Bradford
Museum
Bolling Hall

Tucked away in a quiet, leafy garden, Bolling Hall Museum is full-to-the-brim with the history of its residing families.

Bradford
Gallery
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Cartwright Hall is Bradford’s civic art gallery and offers an exciting programme of contemporary exhibitions, with four permanent galleries.

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