Royal West Of England Academy

The Royal West of England Academy is one of Bristol’s most acclaimed art galleries and the grand building certainly alludes to an old, traditional atmosphere. While it is certainly true that the building is grand and steeped in history, the Academy recognises the importance of contemporary art and it regularly hosts exhibitions that would appeal to more than just art buffs.
Entrance to the permanent exhibitions is free but you do have to pay to access all other shows (unless you try and sneak in to a private view, which is usually the night before the show opens to the public). Past exhibitions include Crimes of Passion, where the gallery was taken over by prominent local graffiti artists, and several modern drawing exhibits.
The gallery also holds regular open exhibitions where artists of various levels and disciplines can submit work and there is definitely a focus on the importance of local art and student artists. A visit to the RWA is worth it and if you’re not sure what’s going on then check out the website for up-​to-​date information of past, present and future exhibitions.

As someone who likes to spend his afternoons flittering about between galleries I have to say I sometimes forget about this one, especially as it’s so close to Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery and slightly hidden further up the road. But they have some lovely exhibitions here, and if you’re lucky enough to catch one of the free ones (as I was today), you really should hop in.
It’s not the largest space in the world, but they have a really broad mix of exhibitions, from graphic design to street art to more classic sculpture and art from all over the word. So keep your eyes peeled for something you might be interested in.
They do sell art here as well, perfect if you’ve got a spare £21,000 lying around. Obviously some of it is more reasonably priced, but only slightly.
I saw some beautiful, unique sculptures today on one of my wholly undeserved strolls out of the office.
They even have a guest book in each room for you to leave your comments and thoughts on the displays, like some sort of pen and paper based Unilocal system, weird.

Apparently this is Bristol’s finest and most boasted about Art Gallery, but I have to say, until today I had never heard of it! Not that I’m a massive Art Gallery fan or anything but if it were that much of a big deal I would have expected to have known about it!
They have mixture of exhibitions on show, some that stay for longer than others, and the gallery rooms are quite breathtaking.
Reasonably priced at £4.00 for an adult, £2.50 concessions, I probably wouldn’t go back but it’s nice to say I’ve been.

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is Bristol’s centre for fine art. Around for over a century, it’s got a distinguished history and boasts the queen as its patron. Very much part of the establishment, then. As well as having a large permanent collection (with paintings by Rodin and Picasso being shown during its history) and regular exhibitions they have an educational programme, including popular life drawing classes.
It’s well located, in a grand pile in amongst various university buildings. The main attractions are the exhibitions, which are cheaply priced and change seasonally. The space is naturally lit and the best place I know in the city to see art. Somewhere you’ll have a peaceful and stimulating experience, the RWA has high culture as you would expect it.

Yes. Crime of Passions was worthed to see. Very impressed.
But I always try to see all their exhibition in various subjects.
One of my favourite was the Portrait award, vey well curated exhibition!

Well done at last and not before time.
It has only taken over a hundred years to get to this point but
with the latest exhibition (Crimes of Passion) the previously highly conservative,‘member’ dominated commitee has at last woken up to the fact that if you want to stay in business it might be advisable to widen the viewing audience.
Lets hope there is far more creative thinking where this idea came from.
The RWA Autumn exhibition will tell and in the meantime it’s well worth visiting the RWA for —
It’s a great building with great architecture
The galleries are extremely relaxing and manageable
Some of the art is sometimes worth seeing. Don’t miss the iron animal in the entrance hall.
Always call in at the monthly exhibition on the ground floor which is FREE
The outside balcony is a good place on a good day
Exhibition opening days attracts a truly eccentric range of people
In summary, the RWA is getting there albiet very slowly but better late than never.
It’s well worth including a visit on your itinery.

Excellent exhibition on at the moment until May 09 «Crimes of Passion» showcasing the best of Bristol’s street art. Well worth the £4 entry — they’ve packed loads of beautiful, quirky stuff in… stencils, illustrations, installations, posters,… definitely visit if you’re in the area!

The Royal West of England Academy, Bristol is an place to visit if you’re interested in fine art. There is always new exhibits being showcased as well as displaying works by well established artists. The building is beautiful and is well worth a visit.
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