Venue Description

Designed by Caruso St John architects The New Art Gallery Walsall opened in February 2000 in the heart of Walsall town centre. Our renowned Garman Ryan Collection was gifted to the Borough in 1973 by Kathleen Garman, widow of the great 20th century sculptor Jacob Epstein. Kathleen was originally from nearby Wednesbury, and although she had spent much of her life in London, wanted to give something back to the Black Country where she had grown up. The Collection includes 365 important works by celebrated artists including Epstein, Van Gogh, Monet, Constable, Picasso, Degas, Matisse and Lucian Freud, alongside a wide range of artworks from across the world. Our Permanent Collection, formed in 1892, has over 3000 works, from Victorian genre paintings to contemporary installations. The changing exhibition programmes focus on the very best in international contemporary art and our Artists' Studio and Artist Development programmes support artists from across the region. Our education and events programme provides a broad cultural experience for everyone.

Accessibility

The New Art Gallery Walsall aims to help visitors get the most from our facilities, and to support visitors with access needs, and their carers’ when planning a visit. The Galery aims to provide a fully accessible, welcoming and friendly environment for everyone to enjoy. The building is accessible from street level, with fully accessible automatic doors, and lift access to all floors. The Gallery has two manual wheelchairs available to use for visitors. Please ask at reception, call 01922 654400 or email us to pre-book them. Large format handouts of our exhibition guides and What’s On brochures are available on request. The Gallery offers a friendly and safe environment for learning. Please contact the Gallery in advance to arrange a visit for a group of people who may require additional support. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. There are benches throughout the Collections Galleries and lightweight, folding portable seats can be carried throughout the building, please ask a member of the Front of House staff for assistance. There are three accessible toilets throughout the Gallery, located on the Ground Floor, Floor 1 and Floor 4. Assistance Dogs are welcome in all areas of the Gallery, water is available on request. There are a number of designated Blue Badge parking bays adjacent to the Gallery.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk/visit/

Accessible Performances

The Gallery will be providing Audio Description and Touch Tours next year 2018.

Awards List

The New Art Gallery Walsall is a Museum Accredited venue; Visit England Quality Award Visitor Attraction; Demenia Friendly gallery; partner with Autism West Midlands.

Toilets

The accessible toilets are level access with no steps, the doors are wide enough for both manual and electric wheelchairs to negoiate through, there are hand rails in all of the toilets.

Staff

Our friendly Front of House team are always available to ensure you get the most from your visit; just ask at the reception if you need any assistance or talk to a member of staff in the Gallery spaces if you would like to find out more about the art on display. Staff have undertaken disability awareness training.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Assistance Dogs are welcome in all areas of the Gallery, water /bowl is available on request.