Visual arts

See the world through artists' eyes

Discover world-class contemporary art

John Hansard Gallery is part of the University of Southampton and one of Britain’s leading public galleries of contemporary art.

Alongside outstanding exhibitions by international artists is an innovative education and events programme, with activities for all the family alongside community-focused projects. Admission to the gallery is free.

A hub of artistic activity

Winchester School of Art hosts a multitude of visual art and design events throughout the year. The Winchester Gallery, on campus at Winchester School of Art, presents a yearlong programme of exhibitions and events from locally and nationally celebrated artists.

Sculpture Collection on Campus


The University’s campuses are home to a collection of permanent sculptures by leading international artists including works by Barbara Hepworth and Conrad Shawcross.

Discover treasures in our libraries special collections

The University of Southampton Libraries hold an abundance of incredible documents in archive. The Winchester School of Art Library and the Hartley Library’s Special Collections department are open to researchers by appointment and both sites present a programme of exhibitions featuring artefacts from their collections.

The Hartley Library is home to two exhibition spaces, both free and open to the public. The Special Collections Gallery presents a historically focused programme drawn from the archives and the Level 4 Gallery’s diverse programme displays contemporary visual art.

Southampton's renowned art collection

Located in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter, Southampton City Art Gallery has one of the best collections outside London, in the UK. It features around 5,300 works, many of which are featured in its diverse exhibition programme.

Winchester Discovery Centre

Combining a public library, venue, and art gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre has an impressive public programme and is equipped to display material from the most important galleries, museums and private collections across the country.  

Unique venues across the city

God’s House Tower is an exciting new arts and heritage venue set within a 13th Century Gatehouse and run by visual arts organisation a space arts. This historic building is located in the Southampton’s Old Town near to Town Quay.

K6 Gallery is a unique gallery located within two repurposed Grade II listed phone boxes also in the Old Town, near to West Quay. This artist-run gallery showcases work by local and national artists, focusing on contemporary and conceptual art.

Solent Showcase presents work by up-and-coming and established artists across a wide variety of mediums. Located opposite Studio 144, the gallery encourages engagement and participation across the local community.