Grundy Art Gallery

About the museum

The Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool opened to the public in 1911. Blackpool Council commissioned the building in 1908 after the brothers John Grundy and Sir Cuthbert Grundy, both artists, bequeathed more than twenty paintings and made a financial gift to the town. The gallery stands on Queen Street, next to the Central Library.

The collection includes Victorian oils and watercolours, modern British paintings, oriental ivories, ceramics, photographs and Blackpool souvenirs, as well as contemporary prints, jewellery, sculpture and video. Artists represented include Stanhope Alexander Forbes, Augustus John, Laura Knight, Henry Scott Tuke and David Roberts. As a longstanding member of the Contemporary Art Society, the gallery acquired most of its important modern works through that scheme. Since 2015 it has collected works on the broad theme of light, with recent acquisitions by artists such as Joseph Kosuth and Tracey Emin.

The collection is not on permanent display. Instead it is used within a programme of changing exhibitions, which is complemented by events, workshops, relaxed opening hours and tours led by volunteers. The gallery is run as a partnership and is free to enter.

Highlights

• Free entry to a changing programme of exhibitions
• Collection of Victorian and modern British art
• Works on the theme of light collected since 2015
• Relaxed hours and volunteer-led tours
• Gallery shop with exhibition publications and cards

Founded

1911

Operated by

Blackpool Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free at all times unless stated otherwise for a specific event.

Accessibility

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

The forecourt has a ramp and all main exhibition areas are step-free; wheelchair access is available to all ground-floor galleries. Manual and electric wheelchairs and class 1 and 2 mobility scooters are welcome, class 3 scooters where space allows or by arrangement, and e-scooters are not allowed. The gallery has no public toilets on site; accessible toilets are in the Central Library next door and staff can direct visitors. Portable chairs are available from the foyer, ear defenders can be borrowed, and transcripts exist for audio and video displays. British Sign Language tours are offered. Registered guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome in the galleries. Blue Badge holders can park on Queen Street and in the car park beside the gallery.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities: not available

Half-term workshops and school-holiday activities are offered, and families can use self-led activities in the foyer. Pushchairs and buggies can be left in the reception area. There are no baby-changing facilities in the gallery; accessible toilets are in the Central Library next door.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The gallery shop sells exhibition-related items, art journals, publications, creative toys and greeting cards. There is no cafe and no public toilet in the gallery itself.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit