Southampton City Art Gallery to Close from Next Month
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Loading... - Aidan Moran
- 28 Jan 2025
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Southampton City Art Gallery is set to temporarily close its doors starting February 22 as it embarks on the next phase of restoration. This closure will facilitate essential internal repairs, a heating upgrade, and the installation of new windows in the main hall.
The gallery has been undergoing significant renovations, highlighted by the large scaffolding structure at its entrance, which is one of the largest free-standing scaffold roof spans in the UK. This restoration is vital for preserving the Grade II*-listed Civic Centre and the nationally significant art collection housed within the gallery. The project is supported by a £2.23 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), managed by Arts Council England.
While the gallery will be closed for various periods over the next 12 months, the west wing is expected to reopen with limited access starting April 5, prioritizing visits from schools and educational groups. A full reopening of the gallery is anticipated for early 2026.
Councillor Lorna Fielker, leader of the council, expressed enthusiasm for the restoration efforts, stating, "We're thrilled this work can take place with the support of DCMS and ACE funding to preserve this nationally important gallery. We know that visitors will be disappointed that this Southampton jewel is going to be closed for a while, but do come and visit us when we are able to open the doors in the intervening months; and when we fully reopen in 2026 to view our incredible collection."
In 2023, funding was announced to address issues with the gallery's roof, which had been leaking and causing poor air quality and dampness. Phil Gibby, area director for Arts Council England in the South West, emphasized the strategic importance of Southampton to the organization, stating, "We’re proud to invest in the City Art Gallery's journey towards a fully accessible public collection. Museums and galleries provide a vital space for the public to discover the past, engage with the present, and imagine new possibilities for the future."
To maintain visibility during the closure, the gallery has secured a £26,000 grant to digitize a significant portion of its collection in partnership with Southampton Solent University. This initiative will ensure that the gallery's offerings remain accessible to both local and international audiences online.
