The gallery was opened in 1878 following a donation by William Atkinson of £6,000 to the Southport Corporation to build an art gallery and library for the town.
The Atkinson Art Gallery now has a specially designed Family fun space called ArtZone!
The ArtZone! gallery space has been designed to make art available to everyone. It means families of all ages can enjoy art through fun and learning, giving children the opportunity to display their work.
The activities are free and designed so you can just drop in and use them when you feel like it. You don't need to ask a member of staff before you start - just drop in and have a go!
Whether you and your family enjoy crafts, sculpture, dressing up, reading, games or the gallery exhibitions themselves, the family gallery will have something for everyone.
In 2006, The Atkinson Art Gallery received the VAQAS award from VisitBritain. VAQAS stands for Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Standard and shows that the Atkinson Art Gallery offers its visitors a high quality service from its exhibitions, events and visitor experience.
By Train
Please go to the
www.nationalrail.co.uk for information on train times.
• Exit Southport train station and turn left onto Chapel Street
• At Boots Chemist turn right into the throughway passing the church on your right and Southport Town Hall on your left.
• Turn left at Southport Town Hall, going past the entrance to the Town Hall and Southport Arts Centre until you reach the entrance of The Atkinson Gallery.
Facilities available:
- Baby changing facilities
- Café
- Friendly staff
- Lift access
- Shop
Accessibility
For people using wheelchairs or with pushchairs, direct access to the gallery is available via a remote controlled lift situated in Cambridge Walks Shopping Mall, which is adjacent to Cranberries Café. The mall has three different entrances: Eastbank Street, London Street and Lord Street. During the afternoon or for evening events, access may be gained using the lift in the Southport Arts Centre on Lord Street.
Please telephone the gallery on 0151 934 2110 to plan your visit.
Please note that there are no public toilet facilities in the gallery itself but they are available in the adjoining Southport Arts Centre, which is directly accessible from room 7.