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Ferens Art Gallery Hull

4.6
·2k reviews·Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom

A free-to-enter art gallery in Hull, showcasing European masterpieces, marine art, and contemporary exhibitions with a dedicated children's space.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Ferens Art Gallery - Image 1

Ferens Art Gallery Hull

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free-to-enter art gallery in Hull, showcasing European masterpieces, marine art, and contemporary exhibitions with a dedicated children's space.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A fantastic city Art Gallery with many important works of Art. Especially the Dutch Masters Gallery."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry for All!

Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly activity in Hull. :moneywithwings:

✨ Check Current Exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions change, so check the website to see what's on before you visit. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dutch Masters Gallery

Dutch Masters Gallery

Upper Galleries

Marvel at masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, featuring renowned artists and exquisite detail.

HAIR: Identity in the Afroworld

HAIR: Identity in the Afroworld

Special Exhibition Space

A powerful exploration of Black hair's beauty, history, and identity through film, photography, and community stories.

Hull on the Rise Exhibition

Hull on the Rise Exhibition

Special Exhibition Space

Art responding to the experience of local flooding, showcasing collective strength and community resilience.

Children's Gallery

Children's Gallery

Ground Floor

Interactive art installations, dress-up, and creative play designed to spark young imaginations.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Impact

Enjoy world-class art without spending a penny! Ferens Art Gallery offers free entry to all its exhibitions, making it a perfect budget-friendly stop in Hull. Plan your visit to catch temporary exhibits, as they change regularly.

Check Exhibition Schedules

While the permanent collections are always on display, special exhibitions rotate. Check the Ferens Art Gallery website before your visit to see what's new and plan your itinerary around must-see temporary shows.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Exhibitions
Why
See unique, rotating artworks
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (afternoon)
Why
Family-friendly activities available
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Two incredible NEW exhibitions are now on display at the Ferens Art Gallery! 😍 We loved Waves of Wonder, which showcases the creative talents of students from eight Hull schools. From the iconic Spurn Lightship to traditional scrimshaw, the students have reimagined Hull’s rich maritime history through various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, textiles, creative writing, performanc...
hullwhatson
74 likes • 4.7K views

🎯 Free Entry for All!

Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly activity in Hull. :moneywithwings: Instagram

✨ Check Current Exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions change, so check the website to see what's on before you visit. :calendar: Instagram

Practising self care at @ferensartgallery 🤍 Took an unplanned solo trip to Ferens Art Gallery this morning to wander the beautiful Sirens exhibition 🌊 Such a peaceful place to slow down, breathe, and switch off. I even surprised myself by sitting down to sketch one of the paintings ✍️—sometimes you just need that little creative reset to connect with yourself. 🫧 The exhibition itself is stunnin...
hunsofhull
36 likes • 1.4K views
📍 Ferens Art Gallery, Hull - best of all, it’s free! #discoverhey #artgallery #eastyorkshire #hull #visithull #visithey #ferensartgallery
discover_hey
8 likes • 152 views

🎨 Interactive Kids' Zone

The children's gallery is a hit with families, offering hands-on fun and creative play. :child: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Dutch Masters

Don't miss the impressive collection of Dutch Masters, a highlight for many visitors. :frame_photo: Reddit

My painting ‘Mended Ways’ and an exciting evening at the Ferens Open Preview, Hull 😁😊😀 #artexhibition #artgallery #artoftheday #paintingoftheday #artwork #artistlife #artist #painter #yorkshire #hometown
raeclarkeart
75 likes • 726 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry for All!

Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly activity in Hull. :moneywithwings: Instagram

✨ Check Current Exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions change, so check the website to see what's on before you visit. :calendar: Instagram

🎨 Interactive Kids' Zone

The children's gallery is a hit with families, offering hands-on fun and creative play. :child: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Dutch Masters

Don't miss the impressive collection of Dutch Masters, a highlight for many visitors. :frame_photo: Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

Photography is often allowed in permanent collections, but check signage for specific exhibition rules. :camerawithflash: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ferens Art Gallery for its excellent, free-to-enter collections, particularly the Dutch Masters and engaging children's gallery. While most find the layout and staff friendly, some have noted issues with specific exhibition setups, like the 'calm' exhibition's audio guides and seating, or the noise from nearby installations.

"Wonderfully curated gallery. Only downside was the calm (I think it was called, the upper gallery space) exhibition which had great potential, thwarted by the narrated mindful audio guides insisting that you take a seat when there wasn’t a seat to be found. That and the jet turbine effect noise from the inflatable installation, below the gallery, altogether counteracting the calm."

Matt Watson-Power

"It's a fantastic city Art Gallery with many important works of Art. Especially the Dutch Masters Gallery.
Also Marine and contemporary art collections. We worth a visit."

Mr Wright

"Nice art gallery but brilliant exhibition on for children. Lovely items to play with, dress up and great interactive art installations."

Louise Birkenshaw

What People Like

Free admission
Impressive Dutch Masters
Engaging children's gallery

What People Dislike

Exhibition setup issues
Noise from installations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ferens Art Gallery is centrally located in Hull's Museum Quarter. It's easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the city centre. Reddit

Yes, there are several public car parks within walking distance of the gallery. Check local signage for rates and availability. Reddit

Hull Paragon Interchange is the main train station, located about a 15-20 minute walk from the gallery. Taxis and local buses are available from the station. Reddit

The gallery is generally accessible, with lifts and ramps available. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs. Reddit

Opening hours typically vary, but it's usually open daily. It's best to check the official Ferens Art Gallery website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Ferens Art Gallery offers free admission to all its permanent collections and most temporary exhibitions. InstagramReddit

While many exhibitions are free, some major temporary exhibitions may have a charge. Always check the gallery's website for details. Instagram

For free general admission, booking isn't usually required. However, for any ticketed special exhibitions, advance booking might be recommended or necessary. Instagram

The gallery does not offer a wardrobe or locker service, so it's advisable to travel light. Reddit

Weekday mornings are generally the quietest times to visit. Weekends, especially afternoons, can be busier, particularly when family events are on. Reddit

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

The gallery boasts a diverse collection, including European art, Dutch Masters, marine art, contemporary art, and British artists. They also host rotating special exhibitions. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The dedicated children's gallery offers interactive installations, dress-up opportunities, and creative activities. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted for personal use in the permanent collection areas, but always check for signs or ask staff, as this can vary for special exhibitions. Instagram

Information on guided tours or talks may be available, especially for special exhibitions. Check the gallery's schedule or inquire at the information desk. Reddit

The 'Sirens' exhibition, mentioned by visitors, likely refers to a past or current temporary exhibition focusing on themes related to sirens or maritime history. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific details about a cafe aren't always highlighted, many galleries have a cafe or refreshment area. It's best to check their website or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, Ferens Art Gallery is in Hull city centre, which has numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a wide range of dining options. Reddit

Generally, eating and drinking are not permitted inside the galleries to protect the artworks. There might be designated areas for this. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is often allowed in permanent collection areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited. Always look for signage or ask staff, as rules can differ for temporary exhibitions. Instagram

The diverse art collections, from historical to contemporary, offer many visually interesting subjects. Exhibitions like 'HAIR: Identity in the Afroworld' can be particularly photogenic. Instagram

Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside art galleries to avoid obstructing other visitors and potentially damaging artworks. Instagram

Focus on capturing the essence of the artwork. Consider lighting and composition. For AR-enhanced exhibits, you might need specific apps like Artivive. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ferens Art Gallery is a top choice for families visiting Hull. The free admission makes it an accessible outing, and the dedicated children's gallery is a major draw. Here, kids can engage with art through interactive installations, dress-up activities, and creative play, ensuring they stay entertained and inspired. Reddit

Beyond the children's zone, the diverse permanent collections and rotating exhibitions offer visual stimulation for all ages. The gallery's central location in the Museum Quarter also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly attractions. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For the 'cheap bastard' traveler, as one Reddit user put it, Ferens Art Gallery is a dream. Admission is completely free, allowing you to immerse yourself in art without spending a penny. Reddit

This makes it an ideal activity for those looking to experience culture on a budget. You can spend hours exploring the diverse collections, from Dutch Masters to contemporary pieces, and enjoy special exhibitions without any cost. InstagramReddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

Art lovers will find Ferens Art Gallery a treasure trove. The impressive collection of Dutch Masters is a must-see, offering a deep dive into a pivotal period of art history. InstagramReddit

Beyond the historical pieces, the gallery consistently presents thought-provoking temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of themes and artists, from local talent to international showcases. The opportunity to see works like those in the 'HAIR: Identity in the Afroworld' exhibition provides a contemporary and culturally relevant experience. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Collections

Ferens Art Gallery boasts a rich and varied collection spanning centuries and styles. Its European art collection is particularly strong, featuring significant works from the Dutch Masters period, including paintings by artists like Jan van Goyen and Frans Hals. These pieces offer a glimpse into the artistic achievements of the 17th century, with intricate details and masterful use of light and shadow. InstagramReddit

Beyond the Old Masters, the gallery also showcases a notable collection of marine art, reflecting Hull's maritime heritage. Contemporary art is also a key focus, with rotating exhibitions that bring modern perspectives and diverse mediums to the forefront. Visitors have praised the thoughtful curation, which allows for an engaging journey through different artistic movements and themes. Instagram

Recent exhibitions like 'HAIR: Identity in the Afroworld' and 'Hull on the Rise' highlight the gallery's commitment to exploring relevant social and cultural topics through art. These exhibitions often incorporate film, photography, and community stories, making them powerful and immersive experiences. Instagram+2

Family Fun at Ferens

Ferens Art Gallery is a fantastic destination for families, largely thanks to its dedicated children's gallery. This space is designed to be interactive and engaging, offering young visitors a chance to explore art in a hands-on way. Reddit

Expect to find creative installations, opportunities for dress-up, and various interactive art activities that encourage play and imagination. It's a space where children can learn about art concepts through doing, making it a memorable experience for them. Reddit

Beyond the dedicated children's area, the gallery's diverse collections can also spark curiosity in younger minds. The approachable layout and the free admission make it an easy and enjoyable outing for families looking for cultural enrichment without a hefty price tag. Reddit

Exhibitions and Events

The Ferens Art Gallery consistently hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, ensuring there's always something new to discover. These exhibitions range from showcases of local talent and student work, such as the 'Waves of Wonder' exhibition featuring Hull school students, to significant thematic displays like 'HAIR: Identity in the Afroworld'. Instagram+1

Visitors often highlight the open exhibitions, which provide a platform for a wide array of artists and leave attendees feeling inspired. These events can be a great way to see diverse artistic expressions and discover emerging talents. Instagram

The gallery also serves as a venue for various cultural events, including performances, talks, and fashion events, as seen with the 'Fashion Through the Lens of Art' event. Checking their schedule is key to experiencing the full breadth of what Ferens Art Gallery offers beyond its permanent collections. Instagram+1

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