Book Royal West of England Academy tickets for one of the best art galleries in Bristol

"One of the most beautiful places in which to look at art in this country" - Sir Nicolas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England

Bringing world-class visual art from around the world to the South West since 1844, discover Bristol's very first art gallery at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol! 

Located in a spectacular, listed Grade II building in the heart of the city, the RWA is the UK's only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built gallery.

What's On at the Royal West of England Academy?

Whilst the Royal West of England Academy is free to enter, there is a plethora of paid exhibitions that you can look forward to exploring. 

• Paule Vézelay: Living Lines - 25th January - 27th April 2025
• RWA Biennial Open 2025: Paper Works - 26th January - 27th April 2025
• Enjoy two great exhibitions with one ticket!

Paule Vézelay: Living Lines Exhibition in Bristol

Explore the internationally-important works from Paule Vézelay, a key figure of 20th-century British abstract art. Her vivid explorations of colour and line fill the retrospective exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy in the largest show of Vézelay's work in over 40 years. 

• Dates: 25th January - 27th April 2025
• Age Guidance: Suitable for all ages
• Venue: RWA, Queen's Road, Bristol, BS8 1PX

Bristol-born Vézelay also features works from fellow artists and friends, such as Alexander Calder and Marlow Moss, alongside more than 60 works including paintings, prints, sculptures and textiles in addition to photographs and personal letters from the archive. 

From her early interest in Bristol's theatre scene to her breakthrough into abstract art in Paris and later success as a textile designer, follow Vézelay's career throughout the spectacular exhibition. 

RWA Biennial Open 2025: Paper Works Exhibition in Bristol

The RWA presents their biennial exhibition, Paper Works, all about paper! Celebrating paper as a surface for drawing, printmaking and sculpting, discover the material as it reveals itself in many different guises; from handmade paper and Japanese tissue to papier maché and paper pulp. You'll see the medium as it is manipulated, burnt, cast, folded, walked on, torn and more in this unique exhibition.

• Dates: 25th January - 27th April 2025
• Age Guidance: Suitable for all ages
• Venue: RWA, Queen's Road, Bristol, BS8 1PX

Ranging from powerful visceral charcoal drawings to hangings so delicate as they move in the still air, it seems as if they do not exist. Featuring tiny intimate paintings, exquisite fine line drawings on costly cotton rag paper and expressive vibrant works on packaging cardboard and paper animal feed sacks, this experience is truly unmissable.

If you love paper, you'll love this show... and if you don't know anything about it, join the Royal West of England Academy on a voyage of discovery.

Book Royal West of England Academy tickets for one of the best art galleries in Bristol!