Victoria Art Gallery's visitor numbers hit highest point since pandemic
Record-breaking anniversary year for Bath's gallery
Bath's Victoria Art Gallery reported over 66,000 visitors between April and December 2025, the highest number since before the pandemic.
It coincides with the venue's 125th anniversary celebrations and the reopening of the Upper Gallery after restoration funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The Upper Gallery, which reopened in May after significant roof repairs, consistently surpassed monthly visitor targets, showcasing the community's appreciation for the newly restored space.
Throughout 2025, the gallery hosted several successful exhibitions, including the summer show, The Lost Spells: Listening to a Landscape of Voices, featuring Jackie Morris's illustrations and Robert Macfarlane's writings celebrating nature.
The annual Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition also recorded its highest visitor numbers since the pandemic, highlighting local artistic talent.
The year included the launch of The Modelling Room, a dedicated space for learning and creativity, funded by the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery and a private donor.
Councillor Paul Roper said: "It's wonderful to see so many people returning to the Victoria Art Gallery during such a special anniversary year. The success of the reopened Upper Gallery, along with an inspiring programme of exhibitions and the launch of The Modelling Room, shows just how much this gallery means to our community. Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to supporting culture and creativity, and the Gallery offers a space where people can be inspired, learn something new, or simply enjoy a few peaceful moments surrounded by art."