Art Galleries in Cumbria

Polly Checkland Harding

Ranging from impressive, nationally-significant collections in Grade listed buildings, to historic houses that now have a particular focus on local, contemporary artists, Cumbria’s collection of art galleries is both varied and geographically diverse.

Our top picks

Tullie House

Tullie House, Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP - Visit now

Tullie House is Carlisle’s principal museum and gallery, with strong collections, exhibitions and activities.

Tullie House

Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL - Visit now

Abbot Hall in Kendal is a Grade I-listed gallery that holds one of the finest collections of historic, modern and contemporary art in the North.

Abbot Hall from across the River Kent. Photo © Tony West.

Percy House Gallery

Percy House Gallery, 38-42 Market Place, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NG - Visit now

Percy House Gallery in Cumbria is a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography, and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.

Percy House Gallery.

Brewery Arts Centre

Brewery Arts Centre, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE - Visit now

The Brewery Arts Centre is the hub of daily cultural life in Kendal, with theatre, cinema, gallery, cafe and bar.

Image courtesy of Brewery Arts Centre.

Lowes Court Gallery

Lowes Court Gallery, 12 Main Street, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2DW - Visit now

Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft.

Image courtesy of Lowes Court Gallery

Where to go in Cumbria

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Red Barn Gallery

Red Barn Gallery is paramount in the Art World of the North West. Internationally renown works are put aside new artists, and the displays never ‘stand still’.

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Northern Lights Gallery

Nestled in Keswick’s beautiful rolling landscapes, Northern Lights Gallery exhibits art captivating enough to match the local surroundings.

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Carlisle Contemporary Arts

An eclectic display of Carlisle’s talent, this gallery not only platforms its community but hosts regular events and constantly changing exhibitions.

Shop stock image
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Weft Studio

This gallery is a hidden gem, just outside Carlisle town centre. Beautiful hand-crafted textile artworks and creations, with delicate things in the shop to take home.

The Armitt Museum
Cumbria
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The Armitt Museum

Full of interesting and unusual objects, The Armitt is a museum that shares the history and heritage of Ambleside and its people.

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EVAN Gallery & Studios

A gallery and studio space displaying works by local artists – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, as well as gift items.

Cumbria
Cinema
Rheged Centre

A visitor centre off the A66, containing gallery spaces, cinema screen, artisan shopping and local produce, as well as cafes and children’s play areas.

Cross Lane Projects, Kendal, Cumbria. Art gallery, artist studios and exhibition space
Kendal and Sedbergh
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Cross Lane Projects

Founded by artists Rebecca Scott and Mark Woods, Cross Lane Projects brings new contemporary art to Cumbria and is situated in a former Kendal Mint Cake factory in central Kendal.

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Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Built in 1759 as a private home, today the Gade I listed Abbot Hall Art Gallery is one of the best centres for visual art in Cumbria.

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