About
The New Art Gallery Walsall is one of the most acclaimed public art galleries built in England in the late 20th century. Opened in 2000, the striking building designed by architects Caruso St John was widely celebrated upon its opening and has won numerous architectural awards. Situated in the centre of Walsall in the West Midlands, the gallery transformed the cultural offer of the town and continues to attract visitors from across the region and beyond.
The gallery's permanent collection is anchored by the internationally significant Garman Ryan Collection, assembled by Kathleen Garman — wife of sculptor Jacob Epstein — and the American sculptor Sally Ryan. Donated to the people of Walsall in 1973 as a memorial to Kathleen's daughter, the collection comprises nearly 400 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and objects that reflect the remarkable personal networks of two women at the heart of 20th-century artistic life.
The Garman Ryan Collection includes works by some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, among them Van Gogh, Monet, Constable, Degas, Lucian Freud, and Jacob Epstein himself. Alongside these celebrated names are works by lesser-known artists, folk art objects, African sculpture, and personal mementos — making it one of the most intimate and idiosyncratic collections in British public life.
Beyond its permanent collection, The New Art Gallery Walsall presents an ambitious programme of temporary contemporary art exhibitions, working with major national and international artists and placing particular emphasis on community engagement and artist development. The gallery has a particular commitment to championing artists from the West Midlands and building audience engagement across Walsall's diverse communities.
The gallery building itself deserves careful attention. Caruso St John's design uses materials that reference Walsall's industrial past — brick, concrete, and wood — while creating a sequence of naturally lit gallery spaces that are among the finest in the Midlands. The building's exterior, with its distinctive tower, has become an architectural landmark in the town centre.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Give the Garman Ryan Collection the time it deserves — it is a remarkably intimate and personal collection unlike any other in England, and it rewards careful looking.
- The gallery is free to enter and an ideal starting point for a day that includes Walsall Leather Museum and the town's historic centre.
- Walsall station is a 5-minute walk from the gallery and has frequent trains from Birmingham New Street. The town centre is very walkable.
- Take time to look at the building itself, inside and out. Caruso St John's design is one of the finest civic buildings of its era and the interior gallery spaces are beautiful.
- The children's gallery and regular family workshops make this an excellent gallery for visits with young children. Check the events programme for family activities on the day of your visit.
- Weekday mornings offer the most contemplative experience. The Garman Ryan Collection galleries can be busy on Saturday afternoons.
- Combine your visit with Walsall Leather Museum, just a short walk away, for an excellent day of free Walsall culture.
- The building's naturally lit galleries and the striking exterior provide excellent photographic opportunities. Check with staff about photography restrictions in temporary exhibitions.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The permanent collection is based on the Garman Ryan Collection of approximately 400 works, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and objects by major European and American artists alongside African art, folk objects, and personal memorabilia. The collection is supplemented by further acquisitions relating to Walsall and the West Midlands.
The Garman Ryan Collection
Nearly 400 works donated to Walsall in 1973 by Kathleen Garman and Sally Ryan, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Constable, Degas, Lucian Freud, and Jacob Epstein. Displayed in intimate, naturally lit galleries throughout the building.
Jacob Epstein: Sculptures and Drawings
A dedicated display of works by Sir Jacob Epstein, one of the 20th century's most important sculptors, whose wife assembled the Garman Ryan Collection.
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Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.