Bristol Light Festival 2026
19 – 28 February 2026
The RWA will light up with a spectacular experience as Studio McGuire's 'Bell Jar Fairies' installation comes to the RWA as part of the city-wide, Bristol Light Festival
Explore the historic RWA building and discover the hidden wonder of the Bell Jar Fairies. These ethereal beings appear fully alive, fluttering inside illuminated, intricately decorated glass jars.
By combining holographic video mapping with physical displays, this installation merges digital animation with the tangible world. The result is a breathtaking illusion: tiny, living creatures captured forever within their own miniature realms.
As part of the Festival our cafe, Spicer+Cole, will be open offering hot drinks and light snacks from Thursday - Sunday 5-8pm.
Details:
- Bell Jar Fairies
- Thursday 19 February - Saturday 28 February
- 5pm - 9pm
- Free
Explore Cosmos after dark (From £6-£11, under 18's free)
Join us on Friday 20 and Friday 27 February for a special late-night opening of our awe-inspiring exhibition, Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space. Explore the intersection of art and science as the gallery stays open until 9:00pm. For a deeper dive into the works on display, we are offering a guided tour on Friday 27th starting at 6:30pm
Bristol Astronomical Society will also join us on our forecourt from 6:30pm - 8:30pm to talk to you about the night sky and introduce you to what you can spot, even in a city! (weather dependant, 20th and 27th February only)
Elemental in the Kenny Gallery (Free, donations welcome)
Bringing together works by four RWA Academicians, Sara Dudman RWA, Andrew Hardwick RWA, Dallas Collins RWA and Susan Foord RWA. Elemental, curated by Malcom Ashman RWA, traces deep and individual responses to the natural world.
SpaceLab and Family Room (Free, donations welcome)
Bring the whole family to our Link Space to experience SpaceLab, our free interactive exhibition. It’s packed with hands-on activities designed to fuel creativity in explorers of all ages!
Visiting with early years, toddlers or babies? Head down to our Family Room on the lower ground floor. It’s a cozy, welcoming space equipped with a reading corner, fancy dress costumes, and plenty of toys—perfect for groups with early years children.

Cosmos: the art of observing Space
24 January - 19 April 2026
Curated by Ione Parkin RWA, a major art and science exhibition celebrating our enduring fascination with Space.
From Free to £11
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Related
Lunchtime Tours
Every Tuesday
Join a member of the RWA team for a tour of our current exhibition. No need to book - just turn up! Free to anyone with an exhibition ticket.
Free
Saturday Exhibition Tours: Cosmos, the art of observing space
Saturday 07 February | Saturday 07 March | Saturday 04 April
Join us for our monthly Saturday morning exclusive tour of our latest exhibition, led by an insider and exhibition expert.
Bristol Light Festival 2026
19 – 28 February 2026
Be prepared for a spectacular experience as the RWA lights up with an installation by Studio McGuire as part of the Bristol Light Festival
Music for Cosmos
Friday 20 February
A unique afternoon of musical and artistic collaboration amongst our latest exhibition