Aberystwyth University School of Art Museum and Galleries

About the museum

The art collection of Aberystwyth University has been built up since 1872, shaped over the decades by the personal interests of the people who looked after it. It serves teaching and research in the School of Art, and it is also open to students, staff and members of the public.

The collection covers fine and decorative art from the 15th century to the present, including prints, drawings, photographs and other works. It is an Accredited Museum, and its growth has been supported by Welsh government museum funding, the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Art Fund, the Arts Council of Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The ceramics holdings have their own gallery at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on the main campus.

The museum and galleries are housed in the School of Art building, a Grade II* listed Edwardian structure built in the first decade of the 20th century. It stands in its own grounds on Buarth hill above Cardigan Bay, a short walk from the town centre and railway station.

Only a small part of the collection is on show at any one time. The public galleries present changing exhibitions drawn from the collection, by invited artists and by touring shows, while study collections can be seen by appointment.

Highlights

• Art and Crafts Collection built up since 1872
• Fine and decorative art from the 15th century to today
• Changing exhibitions in the public galleries
• Study collections available by appointment
• Edwardian Grade II* listed School of Art building

Permanent exhibition

• Art and Crafts Collection – Teaching and research collection of fine and decorative art from the 15th century to the present, of which only a small part is displayed at a time.

Founded

1872

Operated by

Aberystwyth University

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Grade II* listed building was designed before accessibility was a design concern, and major alterations are not always possible. The museum publishes a PDF access guide and an AccessAble guide and continues to make improvements.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The building is a few minutes' walk from Aberystwyth town centre and railway station.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit