Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space

Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space

24 Jan – 19 Apr 2026

Venue

RWA, Queen's Road, Bristol

Price

From Free to £9.90

Date

24 Jan – 19 Apr 2026

Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space is a major art and science exhibition celebrating our enduring fascination with space. Bringing together contemporary and historic artists, the exhibition features an extraordinary range of work inspired by the cosmos.

Discover breathtaking pieces by leading names such as Yinka Shonibare RA, Christopher LeBrun RA, and RWA Academicians, alongside emerging voices exploring the mysteries of the universe through paint, sculpture, installation and digital media.   

Complementing these contemporary works are rare and remarkable artefacts from the archives of the Royal Astronomical Society and national collections. From historical moon drawings and star maps to beautifully crafted celestial globes, these objects offer a glimpse into how artists and scientists have long turned to the skies in search of meaning, beauty, and understanding. Curated by Ione Parkin RWA, Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space invites visitors to experience the awe, wonder and imagination sparked by space exploration—past, present and future. 


 Exhibition Ticket Prices:

  • Annual Art Pass: £18 (unlimited access for a full year)
  • Adult day ticket: £9.90 (includes optional £1 donation, eligible for gift aid)
  • Concession* day ticket: £5.45 (includes optional 55p donation, eligible for gift aid)
  • Free admission** for Friends of the RWA, RWA Art Pass Holders, under 18s, students (please bring student ID), refugees and people seeking asylum.

* Disabled people (required companion free); people on Universal Credit; Art Fund card holders
** All RWA Members (Patrons, Friends, Academicians, Artists Network); all under 18s; all FE & HE students with valid student ID; required companion for disabled people; Museums Association, AIM or SWFed members).

Lead Image credit: Susan Eyre, Sun Factor



 

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