Open Day
14 September 2024
Visit us for FREE
An art-filled day of discovery and creativity – all completely free.
Visit the Gallery for free and enjoy a host of fun activities for all the family. Learn more about our art with talks, tours and “show and tell” sessions taking place throughout the day. Inspired to have a go yourself? The day will be packed with creative activities to do with the family, from creating your own Rana Begum inspired staircase artwork to informal still life drawing for all abilities.
Everything is free.
Book a ticket to secure your free spot and help us manage capacity on the day.
Schedule
Click on an event in the table for more information.
| Workshops | When? | Where? |
| Still Life with Clay | 10am – 4pm | Studio |
| Colours and Shapes | 10am – 3pm | Room 7 |
| Still Life Drawing | 11am – 3pm | Room 11 |
| Tours & Talks | ||
| Show and Tell | 10am – 4pm | Library |
| Collection Tours | 11am & 2pm | Reception |
| Meet the Artists | 2pm – 4pm | Room 6 |
| Pick Up and Explore | ||
| Art Packs | All day | Reception |
| Ways of Looking Bags | All day | Reception |
| #PallantsGotTalent | All day | Reception |
Workshops
Still Life with Clay
Add to our Still Life wall in the Studio, inspired by Phoebe Cummings’ amazing raw clay installation in our Historic House – add clay pieces such as flowers, animals or insects!
Suitable for ages 5+ (parents to accompany child)
When? 10am – 4pm [Drop-in)
Where? Studio
Colours and Shapes
Inspired by our new staircase commission by the renowned artist Rana Begum, design your own colourful staircase. You’ll be using acetate, tissue paper, felt and string to layer colours and shapes together.
Suitable for ages 5+ (parents to accompany child)
When? 10am – 3pm
Where? Room 7
Still Life Drawing
Easels at the ready! From flowers to toys, this informal session will get you creating your own still life compositions.
Suitable for ages 5+ (parents to accompany child)
When? 11am – 3pm
Where? Room 11
Tours and Talks
Library and Archives | Show and Tell
Did you know there are nearly 20,000 items in our library and archives? As you can imagine, there are many fascinating, beautiful and extraordinary pieces. Visitors are welcome to drop-in to see some examples from our collection not usually on show to the public with our Librarian, Jane Holt.
In addition, there will be opportunity to find out more about our extensive Works on Paper Collection and how we care for it, with our Head of Collections, Sarah Norris.
When? 10am-4pm [Drop in)
Where? Library
Collection Tours
Learn more about history of the Queen Anne Townhouse from our wonderful Gallery Guides in one of our 45 minute tours.
When? 11am & 2pm
Where? Meet at outside the lift in the reception area.
Meet the Artists
Come and chat with our Community Programme artists! They will tell you more about their exhibition Significant Objects, displaying artwork inspired by personal items from their lives.
When? 2 – 4pm
Where? Room 6.
Pick Up and Explore
Art Packs
Collect your free art resources, full of fun activities to do with the family. Comes with a sketchbook and colouring pencils.
Available at our Welcome Desk.
Ways of Looking Bags
New to galleries and museums? These Ways of Looking bags are available to pick up and view art in a fun and engaging way. They include emotion cards, colour paddles, sensory toys and more.
Available at our Welcome Desk.
#PallantsGotTalent
Enjoying The Shape of Things exhibition? Create your own response to her work on one of our #PallantsGotTalent cards. Pick one up at the Welcome Desk and hand it back when your finished. All entries will be shown on our tv display in the foyer or on our Instagram account.
Will we see you there?
Book your free tickets using the button below. You don’t need a ticket to visit but it helps us to know how many people are coming.
