Exhibitions

Our exhibition programme is built around a dynamic series of rotating exhibitions, each a captivating journey through art, history and science.

Our special exhibitions are a vibrant home for new ideas, offering fresh perspectives on our collections, revealing untold narratives and surprising connections. With a new story to tell every few months, there’s always a reason to return to the VG&M.

Explore what's on below and plan your visit.

Independents Biennial - Claire Beerjeraz A picture of Claire Beerjeraz who is part of the Independents Biennial

Independents Biennial - Claire Beerjeraz

7 June - 14 September 2025
Claire Beerjeraz will inhabit parts of the gallery 1 space to examine the lasting impacts of colonialism and slavery, especially how these histories are displayed, contained, and remembered in institutional settings.

Rising Darkness Artist Brigitte Jurack presents her exhibition Rising Darkness

Rising Darkness

7 June - 14 September 2025
In the exhibition Rising Darkness, artist Brigitte Jurack presents a suite of stark, large drawings, objects, books, writing and the design for a new floor mosaic.

ALLTHAT REMAINS: a curator’s choice Trenchcoat by William Utermohlen features in All That Remains

All That Remains: a curator's choice

17 May – 20 September 2025
Our departing curator, Dr Amanda Draper, selects some of her favourite paintings from the University’s collection that she has not exhibited before. Some are by well-known artists and others by lesser-known names that deserve more recognition, but each has a story to tell.

Seeing Green Featured in the Seeing Green exhibition, Having A Look 1972, by Jim Russell

Seeing Green

Ongoing
This display of paintings invites viewers to consider the colour green. Associations differ around the globe and through history, but in modern Britain green tends to be linked to nature and environmental issues.

Play of Light – A display of darkness and illumination A painting featured in the Play of Light exhibition

Play of Light – A display of darkness and illumination

Ongoing
Using the play of light against darkness to add drama and mood has been a feature of art since the Renaissance. This small display shows a variety of ways the technique was applied by British artists of the late Georgian and Victorian eras.