Pallant House Gallery
Pallant House Gallery contains one of the finest collections of 20th century British art to be found anywhere in the world. Since opening its doors in 1982, the gallery has become one of the foremost art venues in Sussex; perhaps even in the country.
Towner Eastbourne
Instantly recognisable, Towner Eastbourne has been showcasing high-quality art for nearly one hundred years. The current gallery’s purpose-built construction was completed in 2009, and that year won two architectural prizes (with a third a year later in 2010). Perhaps best known for its collection of modern British art, which includes its large and significant Ravilious collection, Towner also offers community programmes such as its Learning & Engagement Programme, and provides opportunities for local artists to have their work exhibited.
Hastings Contemporary
Hastings Contemporary, situated on the coastline of Hastings, exhibits high quality modern and contemporary art. The gallery showcases a range of different events for the art lovers of East Sussex.
Charleston
Famously the former home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and hub for the pair’s radical and artistic friends, Charleston today presents a dynamic programme of modernist and contemporary art. What remains unchanged, of course, is its beautiful surroundings.
De La Warr Pavilion
Bexhill’s iconic De La Warr Pavilion specialises in contemporary exhibitions, events and entertainment and has community engagement at its heart. It regularly hosts top names in music and comedy, and has an array of fine eateries on site. A wonderful place to enjoy a cultural afternoon, followed by a stroll along the Sussex shoreline.
Watts Gallery
While not technically in Sussex, Watts Gallery in Surrey is so close to the border, not to mention so extraordinary, that it thoroughly deserves a visit from any art-loving Sussex dweller. Founded to showcase the work of George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary, the gallery is situated near their former home in Compton, between Guildford and Godalming. The gallery houses one of the world’s largest collections of stereoscopic objects, derived from Queen guitarist Brian May’s personal collection.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
A part of the Royal Pavilion estate, the building which we know today as Brighton Museum & Art Gallery was originally built for the Prince Regent and was completed in 1805. It wasn’t until 1851 that the building hosted its first art exhibition, showcasing local talent as part of an annual fair. Today, the Museum hosts a year-round programme of fascinating exhibitions, often pertaining to the local area.
Newlands House Gallery
A relatively new arrival on the scene, Petworth’s Newlands House Gallery was opened in March 2020 and has since cemented its reputation as one of Sussex’s premier destinations for contemporary art. Whilst many art enthusiasts will associate Petworth with the traditional splendour of Petworth House’s collection, Newlands House offers a wonderfully enriching counterpoint with its focus on 20th and 21st century art. The gallery has so far exhibited the works of Lee Miller, Frank Auerbach, Helmut Newton, amongst others, and this summer will open its hotly-anticipated Leonora Carrington show.