Conservation Work and a new Learning Space

Our beautiful Upper Gallery was temporarily closed to visitors for conservation work.

Whilst work was ongoing, the Lower Gallery remained open for our programme of inspiring temporary exhibitions.

The Gallery team put the collection of artworks into storage to allow for work on the historic roof above the Gallery. This essential project helped safeguard both the Grade II* listed building and its artworks for future generations.

Following a full inspection of the roof, we found that significant work was needed to replace and repair many of the slate roof tiles. Repairs to a Grade II* listed building take time, but we were pleased to confirm that permissions were secured and work to remove the tiles began shortly thereafter. We aimed to reuse approximately half of the existing tiles.

Whilst the Upper Gallery was closed, we worked hard to create a brand-new learning space for schools and the local community. The new space now hosts a much wider range of learning activities than was previously possible in the Gallery, with a specially designed space that meets all the requirements of Clore Learning Standards for workshops, classes, and creative groups. Ahead of reopening, the Gallery team collaborated with community and learning partners to develop a rich programme of activities to make the most of these new spaces.

The two projects – conservation repairs and the creation of the learning space – were planned together to minimise the closure of the Upper Gallery. We were delighted to reopen both the Upper Gallery and the new learning space in Spring 2025.

Kindly supported by the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery with special thanks to Angela Payne.

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Conservation Work and a new Learning Space

Our beautiful Upper Gallery was temporarily closed to visitors for conservation work.

Explore Bath's world heritage

Explore Bath's world heritage

Other things to do in Bath

Conservation Work and a new Learning Space

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