Exhibitions can be truly inspiring, but what about the buildings themselves? In the UK there’s a great variety of museums and galleries to explore, and many of them are spectacular pieces of art in their own right.
From the quirky family home of a former Tate Gallery curator in Cambridge to a stunning concrete structure in Yorkshire, these nine UK galleries and museums are as beautiful as the exhibitions inside them.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Bruton
The humble county of Somerset is up there with the best of them according to Hauser & Wirth, the multinational art moguls with posts in New York, London and Los Angeles. Surrounded by wildflowers and fields, this converted barn maintains its higgledy-piggledy layout and features an on-site restaurant, making for a wholesome day out.
Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
After a significant two-year refurbishment completed in 2018, Kettle’s Yard has never looked better. This gallery was originally the home of Jim Ede (1895–1990), a former curator at the Tate Gallery, London. Now, the Cambridge gallery offers cosy living spaces lined with Ede’s impressive personal collection, alongside changing exhibitions of contemporary work.
The Hepworth Wakefield, Yorkshire
At the opposite end of the architectural scale, this stunning £35-million structure in Yorkshire showcases clean lines, angles, and concrete. Launched in 2011, the award-winning gallery is named after Barbara Hepworth, the Wakefield-born sculptor. Moreover, The Hepworth Wakefield is just a 15-minute drive to Yorkshire Sculpture Park – another gem in Yorkshire’s artistic landscape.
Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Don’t be deceived by the Victorian red-brick facade of Whitworth Art Gallery: inside, it features streamlined modern interiors. The Manchester gallery underwent a £15-million redevelopment which blurred the lines between exterior and interior; its standout feature is a glass-walled cafe which extends into the park and appears to levitate among the trees.
Gallery at Home, Usk
With the aim of being both stylish and accessible, Gallery at Home is a welcoming, minimal space resembling something from a lifestyle magazine. Set in Usk, this converted cow shed displays exhibitions by artists from around the globe, alongside breathtaking views over the Welsh mountains.
The Watermill, Aberfeldy
While Scotland’s bigger cities boast stellar museums and galleries, it’s beneficial to seek out the charming town of Aberfeldy for this converted water-powered mill dating back to 1825. Enjoy the warmth of the log-burning stove in the ground-floor cafe, browse various travel books on the second floor, and explore local artwork and ceramics upstairs.
Sir John Soane’s Museum, London
Explore an exquisite collection of curios – from Egyptian artefacts to architectural models – in the sprawling Sir John Soane’s Museum, the former residence of architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837). The labyrinthine structure comprises three houses, one of which dates back to the 17th century. It stands as a marvelous example of British eccentricity, featuring narrow hallways and winding stairways enhanced by grand domed ceilings.
Salts Mill, Saltaire
Another exceptional building repurposed, Salts Mill is situated in a former textile mill in Saltaire, a Victorian model village and UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Yorkshire. Artist David Hockney was born in the vicinity; today, the old mill houses his largest permanent collection, along with gallery spaces featuring changing exhibitions. Conclude your visit at the excellent espresso bar, where cups feature Hockney’s playful doodles of his beloved sausage dogs.
Francis Gallery, Bath
Korean aesthetics meet the elegance of Bath’s Georgian architecture at the Francis Gallery. It represents the first bricks-and-mortar project by Rosa Park, editor of Cereal magazine, showcasing the work of emerging European artists. The minimalist space is thoughtfully curated, providing a platform for exquisite exhibitions.
