ferens art gallery

Discovering Ferens Art Gallery – A Cultural Beacon in East Yorkshire

Ferens Art Gallery stands proudly at the heart of Hull, offering an inspiring and accessible gateway to the world of visual art. Housed in a grand Edwardian building on Queen Victoria Square, this civic gallery has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life—showcasing a blend of historic masterpieces, contemporary commissions, and dynamic community engagement.

Founded in 1927 through the generous bequest of Thomas Ferens, a Hull-based philanthropist and industrialist, the gallery was envisioned as a public space where art would belong to everyone. That founding ethos still holds true. Today, Ferens Art Gallery is known not only for the quality of its collections but for its role as a vibrant, inclusive space where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can engage with the power of art.

Having undergone a major £5.2 million refurbishment ahead of Hull’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2017, Ferens has reasserted itself as one of the most exciting regional galleries in the UK—offering “a place of quiet contemplation, bold curation, and community pride”.

A Storied Past: From Civic Legacy to Cultural Renaissance

History and Architectural Significance

Opened to the public in 1927, Ferens Art Gallery was named after its benefactor, Thomas Robinson Ferens, whose vision was to provide a free public art gallery for Hull’s citizens. Designed in a restrained classical style by S. N. Cooke and E. C. Davies, the building’s understated elegance belies the richness within. It remains a key landmark in the city’s civic quarter, adjacent to the Maritime Museum and Hull City Hall.

The gallery has continually evolved to meet contemporary needs. Its 2017 refurbishment enhanced environmental controls to museum-standard levels—enabling it to borrow and exhibit major national and international works, while also restoring original architectural features. The result is a space that harmonises civic grandeur with modern functionality.

Collections and Exhibitions: A Dialogue Across Time

Ferens Art Gallery houses a distinguished permanent collection spanning 14th-century religious panel paintings to contemporary video installations. Highlights include:

  • Frans Hals’ “Portrait of a Young Woman” – a rare and compelling work by the Dutch master.
  • Lorraine’s “Landscape with Figures”, offering a classic example of 17th-century pastoral beauty.
  • Works by Canaletto, Henry Moore, Stanley Spencer, and David Hockney, showcasing breadth across periods and styles.
  • A strong representation of 19th-century British painting, including Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian works.

Contemporary art is a key focus too. Ferens has hosted Turner Prize exhibitions, Hull-based artist commissions, and cutting-edge work as part of the UK City of Culture programme. The annual Open Exhibition continues to champion local talent and provide a valuable platform for emerging voices.

Exhibitions in recent years have included:

  • “Reflection: British Art in an Age of Change” (in partnership with Tate)
  • “Is This Planet Earth?” exploring ecology and climate through contemporary lenses
  • Regular children’s and family-focused shows co-curated with Hull schools and artists

Accessibility and Inclusion

Ferens is fully committed to making art accessible. Entry is free for all visitors, and the building is fully wheelchair accessible with lift access to all gallery spaces.

Key accessibility features include:

  • Audio description tours and BSL interpretation during special events
  • Quiet sessions and inclusive programming for neurodivergent visitors
  • Multi-sensory exhibits, family learning rooms, and baby-changing facilities
  • Trained front-of-house staff who welcome assistance dogs and provide inclusive support

Ferens Art Gallery aims to reflect and engage the diverse communities of Hull and East Yorkshire, offering space for both international masterpieces and hyperlocal narratives.

Learning, Community, and Civic Connection

The gallery’s Learning Studio, family trail resources, and Make Space hands-on area provide visitors of all ages with tools to engage creatively. Ferens has built lasting relationships with local schools, artists, and social organisations, making it a hub for community dialogue.

From toddler-friendly art mornings to workshops for vulnerable adults, Ferens is known for its socially engaged approach to curation, blending cultural excellence with participatory outreach.

The annual Young People’s Open Exhibition and the Hull Schools Open are vital opportunities for children and teens to display their work in a professional context—often the beginning of a lifelong relationship with creativity.

Shop, Café, and Gallery Experience

Ferens Art Gallery features a curated shop with art books, gifts, local makers’ prints, and exhibition-themed merchandise. The Humber Street Gallery café kiosk provides coffee, tea, and light refreshments in the ground floor foyer, with indoor and outdoor seating options available.

The gallery’s airy design and manageable scale make it ideal for both quick visits and deeper, contemplative engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a family out for the day, the atmosphere is welcoming, relaxed, and always free.

Planning Your Visit

Location: Queen Victoria Square, Carr Ln, Hull HU1 3RA

Admission: Free entry to all permanent exhibitions; small fees may apply for special events or workshops.

Opening Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4:30pm
  • Sunday: 11am – 4pm
    (Last admission typically 30 minutes before closing)

Contact:

Travel Tips:

  • 5-minute walk from Hull Paragon Interchange (train and bus)
  • Car parks available nearby at Princes Quay and Albion Street
  • Cycle racks located outside Queen Victoria Square

Final Thoughts: Ferens, A Civic Gallery for the Future

Ferens Art Gallery is more than a regional institution—it’s a beacon of civic identity, cultural excellence, and public accessibility. It weaves together local history, national relevance, and global dialogue in a space that feels both grand and grounded.

Whether you’re marvelling at a Renaissance panel, sketching in the Learning Studio, or discovering a local artist’s first exhibited work, Ferens offers a genuine encounter with the power of art to reflect and transform.

Hull may be off the traditional art world circuit, but Ferens proves that vision, inclusivity, and curatorial ambition are not bound by geography. This is a gallery with heart—and one that welcomes all.

👉 Looking for more destinations like this? Explore our full UK Art Venues Directory to discover galleries across the country.