The six best art galleries in Leeds

Recognised for being of ‘national importance’ and described as hosting ‘probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London’, Leeds City Art Gallery is a must-visit. The gallery’s permanent collection includes works by JMW Turner, Paula Rego, Rembrandt, Francis Bacon and William Holman Hunt while a dedicated team ensure an inspiring, ever-changing programme of exhibitions which have included works by Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and David Hockney.

Framed within acres of beautiful parkland and sculpted gardens, Temple Newsam provides a breathtaking journey into history. With plenty of centuries-old artefacts to encounter, the imposing Tudor-Jacobean stately home forms the centrepiece of an educational day out. The small admission fee will give you the opportunity to explore the Grade I listed building’s many rooms, which are filled with period pieces such as weaponry, clothing, tableware and furniture. Extensive parkland designed by 18th-century landscape artist Capability Brown features a celebrated, vibrant rhododendron walk along with herb arrangements, rose bushes and floral displays, and many great picnicking spots. 

‘The creative habit is like a drug. The particular obsession changes, but the excitement, the thrill of your creation lasts’. Nowhere is this observation from the famed Leeds sculptor more accurate than in the Henry Moore Institute. An imposing black granite structure built in 1993, this centre is made up of four galleries showcasing installation art and sculpture from across the world. It’s worth braving the slightly intimidating entrance to become immersed in the ground-breaking work that’s on offer and chat to the supremely knowledgeable staff.

Okay, so Yorkshire Sculpture Park is in Wakefield, not Leeds, but it would be difficult to compile a convincing list of the region’s best art spots without including this beautiful and inspiring collaboration between manmade objects and nature. Eighty per cent of the exhibits are to be discovered outside on a scenic amble through country fields, but there is the indoor Longside Gallery that has housed work by the likes of Yinka Shonibare, Joan Miró, Williams Turnbull, Fiona Banner, Ai Weiwei and Antony Gormley.

At the heart of the University of Leeds campus, the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery holds an enviable collection of European paintings, drawing and prints dating all the way back to the 17th century up to the present day. If you find yourself in this hidden gem, you'll also be able to peruse around its small assemble of sculpture, ceramics and photographs as well as fascinating temporary exhibitions and portfolios from the artists of tomorrow. And admission is totally free of charge! 

For an altogether more edgy vibe, this is the place. Screw Gallery is a lesser known not-for-profit and artist-led space that provides a striking contrast to some of the more traditional permanent exhibitions across the city. The art shown here from both local and international creatives is bold, provocative and often not for the weak of heart.