Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
Free city art gallery in Swansea with historic and contemporary art, including works by Monet, Gwen John and Ceri Richards, in a Grade II* listed 1911 building.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery was created from the bequest of Richard Glynn Vivian (1835-1910), a Swansea collector whose gift included paintings, porcelain, enamels and other decorative objects. The original gallery building dates from 1911 and is Grade II* listed. A gallery extension was added in 1974.
The collection has grown since then and now ranges from the original bequest to twentieth-century Welsh and contemporary art. Highlights include works by Gustave Doré, Barbara Hepworth, Gwen John, Claude Monet, Ceri Richards and Evan Walters, as well as a collection of historic ceramics. The gallery is run by Swansea Council and also holds a library and archive about its own history.
The gallery closed for a major redevelopment and reopened on 15 October 2016. The project restored the 1911 building, added a new street-level entrance and shop, linked the older buildings with a glazed extension, and installed a passenger lift for full access to all floors. It also created two new galleries, a lecture theatre, a learning studio, conservation studios, a collection store, a café and Wi-Fi throughout. Today the gallery shows changing exhibitions of historical, modern and contemporary art alongside events, talks and learning programmes.
Highlights
- Works by Monet, Doré, Hepworth, Gwen John, Ceri Richards and Evan Walters
- Collection of historic ceramics and decorative arts from Richard Glynn Vivian's bequest
- Grade II* listed 1911 building joined to a modern extension
- Free admission
- Library and archive on the gallery's history
- Founded
- 1911
- Operated by
- Swansea Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission to the gallery is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The main entrance has automatic doors level with the pavement, and the gallery says it is fully accessible to wheelchair and buggy users, with a large lift to all floors (the gallery website currently carries an undated notice that the lift is out of order). Accessible toilets are in reception and on Level 2 and need no key. A Changing Places facility next to reception needs a key from staff. A hearing loop is at the reception desk, and sensory backpacks with ear defenders are available from reception. There is no gallery car park, but one bay in front of the gallery is reserved for Blue Badge holders for up to two hours and there are two further bays and a coach drop-off bay outside. Assistance dogs are welcome. Notices warn of strobe effects, loud noises or darkness in some exhibitions. A basement locker room is not fully accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Free family activities are available every day, and artist-led workshops run at weekends and in school holidays. Sensory backpacks for children and adults can be borrowed at reception. The gallery is fully accessible to buggy users, has baby changing facilities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Swansea railway station · 5-min walk
The gallery is within a 5 minute walk of Swansea railway station. National Express coaches arrive at the city bus station, a 15 minute walk away, and Traveline Cymru gives local bus information. A Park and Ride service from Landore drops off at Swansea railway station.
By car
Paid parking
There is no car parking at the gallery itself. The nearest car parks are High Street (SA1 5BA), under a 5 minute walk and free on Sundays, and Orchard Street NCP (SA1 5AS), under a 3 minute walk. Pay and display parking is also available at Mariner Street car park. One bay outside the gallery is for Blue Badge holders (two hours maximum), and there are two further bays and a coach drop-off bay.
- Accessible parking
By road, Swansea Bay is reached from the M4 at junction 42 from the east or junction 45 from the west.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Museum shop
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
The gallery's café is closed, but visitors can use the space to rest, and staff at reception can recommend nearby cafés. The gallery shop in reception sells gifts, cards, books and prints (card payments preferred). Wi-Fi is available in the building and is free in the hire rooms. A public locker room for coats and bags is in the basement.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 90 guests.
A lecture theatre (up to 90 seated), a garden room (up to 60), a library (up to 12) and a garden terrace can be hired Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 for meetings, receptions and events.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The learning programme offers educational visits for schools and colleges led by the gallery's artist educators, plus sessions for young people, adults and communities. Opening parties for new exhibitions are free and open to everyone. |
