About
"One of the most beautiful places in which to look at art in this country" - Sir Nicolas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England
The Royal West of England Academy is Bristol's oldest art gallery. Our mission is to foster lifelong journeys with art. We bring world-class art and architecture to the Southwest, showcase artistic talent across the region and support artists at any stage of their journey.
Everyone’s journey with art is unique. It may become a profession, a lifelong passion, or serve as a vital source of well-being and learning. Through our acclaimed exhibitions, inspiring events, classes and workshops, we open the door to starting that journey – and help it flourish.
We create opportunities for artists to connect, grow their practice and generate income. We supercharge skills, developing the next generation of artists, arts professionals, and cultural leaders and equipping them with the tools to thrive.
We are the UK's only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built Grade II* Listed gallery. As custodians of a heritage building we are committed to caring for and maintaining this important civic and cultural asset.
We have a full Changing Places Toilet Facility; a large family room full of creative things for children to enjoy, and specialist activities, such as BSL interpretation, sighted-guide and touch-tours, and monthly teatime tours for those living with dementia and their carers (see here for more information).
The RWA is an entirely independent charity (1070163), unusual in that it has no public subsidy, dependent on ticket and other earned income, as well as to our Patrons, Friends, Sponsors and all those who provide invaluable support.
You can explore the archive of some of the exhibitions that have been held at the RWA here.
Anti-Racist Practice Statement
We are committed to making the RWA a safe, welcoming and inspiring place for everyone. We recognise that we have not made enough progress yet. We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go to ensure our programme, exhibitions and collection, as well as our staff, volunteers and board, are all reflective of the diversity of Bristol today. We are committed to sustained change in our organisation and to making the RWA an anti-racist organisation in a sustained, continuous, meaningful way for the long-term.
Bristol Equality Charter
We are proud to be signed up to the Bristol Equality Charter. As a partner, we share an ambition to create a fairer, safer, accessible and inclusive city where everyone feels they belong, has a voice and an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.

PDF Downloads
RWA Light & Inspiration Impact Report
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Your Visit
Times, prices, directions and more
Tickets and Art Passes
Find out more about our tickets and memberships
Support Us
Find out how you can support us as a registered charity
Impact
Help enrich the lives of people from all communities and backgrounds with art
Our Community
We learn a huge amount from the creative individuals we work with on projects often connected to RWA exhibitions
What's On
Experience art exhibitions, events, art classes and family workshops at Bristol's first art gallery and across the city