John Hansard Gallery

About the museum

John Hansard Gallery was created in 1979 by the Arts Council of Great Britain and the University of Southampton. It brought together two existing university galleries under one roof: a photographic gallery with a strong national reputation and a fine art gallery at the Nuffield Theatre. The gallery is named after John Henry Hansard (1895-1979), a friend and benefactor of the university who encouraged its interest in the visual arts.

For almost forty years the gallery was based on the university campus. In 2018 it moved to Southampton city centre, into a new arts complex called Studio 144 on the site of the old Tyrrell and Green department store beside Guildhall Square. The project, led by Southampton City Council and supported by National Lottery funding through Arts Council England, also provides a new base for the film and media organisation City Eye.

Today the gallery is part of the University of Southampton and is funded by it, with continued support from Arts Council England. It presents exhibitions and commissions by artists from many countries and runs a programme of talks, workshops and learning projects for adults, families, schools and local communities. The gallery has no permanent collection on display; its exhibitions change regularly.

Highlights

• Changing exhibitions of contemporary art by international artists
• Modern gallery spaces in the Studio 144 arts complex on Guildhall Square
• Free weekly family drop-in workshop on Saturday mornings
• Talks, tours and creative workshops linked to the exhibitions

Founded

1979

Operated by

University of Southampton

Director

Woodrow Kernohan

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Activities are free unless stated otherwise.

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 building is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors. Blue Badge parking spaces are at the rear of the building, about 50 yards from the main entrance. Accessible toilets are on the ground and first floors, and all toilets are gender neutral. Large print texts are available on request from reception, by email or by phone. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

"Space to Create" is a free, family-friendly drop-in workshop on Saturdays from 11:00 to 13:00, inspired by the current exhibitions. Young people aged 14 to 19 can join the JHG Collective. The gallery has a buggy park and baby changing facilities on the ground floor and subscribes to the Family Arts Campaign.

Getting there & parking

The gallery is opposite Guildhall Square in the Cultural Quarter. Cycle stands are in Guildhall Square.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Lockers, a buggy park and baby changing facilities are on the ground floor.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit