Wolverhampton Art Gallery

About the museum

Wolverhampton Art Gallery opened in 1884 in a Victorian building in the city centre. The local contractor Philip Horsman paid for it, the Birmingham architect Julius Chatwin designed it in Bath stone, and it is now a Grade II* listed building. It was refurbished and extended in 2006 to 2007 to add exhibition space.

The collection includes Victorian art, Georgian paintings, Japanese decorative metalwork and Bilston enamels, and its most important old painting is Abraham Janssens' Peace and Plenty Binding the Arrows of War from 1614. The gallery has collected Pop Art since the late 1960s and today claims the largest Pop Art collection in the UK outside London, together with a nationally significant collection of work by Black British artists.

The gallery is part of Wolverhampton Arts and Culture, which also runs Bantock House and Bilston Gallery. Entry is free, and the programme includes exhibitions, family workshops and a Making Space for creative play.

Highlights

• Largest Pop Art collection in the UK outside London
• Nationally significant collection of work by Black British artists
• Grade II* listed Victorian building of 1884
• Making Space with art materials and a Pop Art play area for families
• Free entry

Permanent exhibition

• Pop Art Gallery – A long-term display from the largest Pop Art collection in the UK outside London.

Founded

1884

Operated by

Wolverhampton Arts & Culture

Visitors per year

approx. 158,658

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free for everyone. Some workshops and events may carry a charge. Visitors who arrive by train, bus, bike or on foot get 10% off in the café.

Accessibility

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

There is level access throughout the building and lift access to all floors. A British Sign Language introduction to the gallery is available, and the Convo app at the reception desk and pod gives live BSL translation; a Pop Art Gallery tour is offered as a QR code trail. Noise-cancelling headphones can be borrowed from reception, a quiet space or a private space for prayer is available on request, and a visual story helps with planning. There is no Changing Places toilet; the nearest ones are at the Civic Centre during the week and at Wolverhampton railway station at weekends. There is no parking at the gallery, but accessible bays are on Wulfruna Street outside the Arena Theatre. A detailed guide is published on AccessAble.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The gallery was shortlisted for Family Friendly Museum of the Year 2026. Families can follow exhibition trails, create in the Making Space with art materials, a giant chalkboard and a Pop Art play area, and join artist-led workshops. There are regular events for babies and toddlers in term time and workshops in school holidays. Baby changing is on both floors and nappies are available at the desk; breastfeeding is welcome anywhere in the gallery.

Getting there & parking

The gallery is in the city centre close to the University of Wolverhampton and St Peter's Church. It holds the Good Journey Mark for welcoming car-free visitors.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available. Glaze The Eating Space on the ground floor serves breakfast, soup, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, coffee and cakes; bookings on 01902 552991. There are two picnic areas, an outside courtyard and the education atrium inside.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rooms for hire include the Georgian Gallery (up to 100 seated theatre style), the Gathering Space, the Gallery View Room, the Creation Space, the Parlour Suite and a private dining area for up to 12; the whole gallery can be hired for evening functions. All spaces have free Wi-Fi. Enquiries on 01902 553422 or culture.hire@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Plan your visit