Art Galleries in Belfast: A Local’s Guide to Must-See Attractions

Which art galleries in Belfast are a must for visitors? Belfast has long been associated with the famous ocean liner Titanic, but the increasingly popular tourist spot has more to offer, including a thriving arts scene.

Belfast has a rich and colourful history, and its attractions reflect this. Although not quite Paris or Rome yet, Belfast is steadily transforming into one of the leading cultural centres of the UK.

If you want to find the best of Belfast’s art, we’re here to show you where to go.

ConnollyCove guest writer and Belfast resident Caitlin Mussen gives a local guide to some essential art experiences…

Art Galleries in Belfast – 1- Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is the premier institution for art, history, and science in Northern Ireland. Located in the heart of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, it is a significant landmark that’s as much about heritage as contemporary culture. The museum’s art collection spans over 4,000 years of history, showcasing works from various periods and styles.

The Ulster Museum is especially renowned for its collection of Irish art. Its Irish art collection includes notable pieces by Jack Yeats, one of Ireland’s foremost painters, and other key artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also holds modern and contemporary art collections, with works by internationally acclaimed artists such as BP Portrait Award winners and contemporary visual artists working across a wide range of media.

What to Expect:

• Irish Art: From Yeats’s romanticism to contemporary abstraction, the Irish art collection provides a comprehensive insight into the country’s artistic journey.
• European Art: The museum also features European art spanning centuries, with fine works from the Renaissance to modern movements.
• Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly changing exhibitions showcase both international artists and local talent.

The Ulster Museum provides a fantastic starting point for any art lover visiting Belfast, and with its free entry, it’s also an excellent option for those on a budget.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 2- The Mac Museum

The MAC, Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre, is one of the city’s most celebrated cultural venues. Opened in 2012, the centre was purpose-built to showcase contemporary art in all its forms. It’s a dynamic space where art, theatre, and music collide, making it a must-visit for those interested in innovative artistic expressions.

The MAC hosts various exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year. Its visual arts programme features cutting-edge contemporary works by both local and international artists. Exhibitions often blur the lines between different media, such as sculpture, video, installation, and performance.

What to Expect:

• Contemporary Exhibitions: Expect to see thought-provoking and often challenging exhibitions that engage with contemporary issues.
• Diverse Art Forms: The MAC embraces various artistic disciplines, making it a hub for visual art, performance art, and experimental theatre.
• Cultural Hotspot: The MAC is a central point in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, so you can easily explore other cultural venues nearby, such as the Linen Hall Library and the Cathedral Quarter’s famous street art.

Whether you’re a contemporary art enthusiast or simply curious about cutting-edge artistic trends, the MAC is where creativity knows no bounds.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 3- Golden Thread Gallery

This gallery has been recognised for its charitable status. It aims to “create context, challenge perceptions, promote creativity” and deliver “contemporary visual art for all.”

GTG is a fantastic place to visit and see local art as they promote contemporary Northern Irish artists. Located between the Cathedral Quarter and Sailortown, the gallery commits to widening the cultural experience in the local area.

Golden Thread also hosts workshops and talks that are open to those with a passion for art. If you’re just visiting, why not check out what’s on and schedule in? With free gallery tours offered, this is a perfect place to visit and fully accessible to all.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 4- Gormleys Fine Art

Gormleys Fine Art has become one of the leading galleries in Ireland. It specialises in both International Irish and contemporary art. Gormleys was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to the long-term development of its artists.

If you’re considering visiting here, it may be worth checking if they have their garden sculptures up in the area, too. The gallery on Lisburn Road has been home to Andy Warhol’s Portraits and Party Time exhibition.

The three-story building allows you to appreciate various works on display in a relaxed environment. Gormleys Fine Art Gallery has to be one you tick off the list.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 5- Eakin Gallery

Also, on Lisburn Road, this galley is in a two-story old brick townhouse. Eakin Gallery is known for its variety of traditional and contemporary Irish paintings.

They frequently display the works of famous Irish artists, including Colin Middleton, Cecil Maguire, and Paul Henry. Those who follow the Belfast art scene may already know that they showcase Terry Bradley’s work, which has been a highly discussed exhibition.

Eakin Gallery is also great for those just starting out their collector’s collection. It has highly affordable pieces available, so a trip to this gallery should be considered for any art lover.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 6- Belfast Exposed

Regarding photography, Belfast Exposed is the primary gallery for publishing, commissioning, and showcasing. With over 35 years of business, Belfast Exposed voices city life from the community’s perspective.

You can typically find pieces here that focus on political and social issues. With Belfast Exposed, there’s always some form of event running, be it an exhibition, an artist talk or various courses available to take part in.

The three-story gallery on Donegall Street also has its own bookshop, the only independent one in Belfast. Belfast Exposed also runs an extensive community engagement programme and has accumulated over half a million digitally saved images over the years.

This archive also features many images from The Troubles, which some people may find interesting. Belfast exposed exhibits for both professional and amateur photographers and is a must-see!

Art Galleries in Belfast – 7- Mullan Gallery

This petite gallery has a boutique feel smaller than most of Belfast’s other galleries. Found on Lisburn Road, Mullan Gallery doesn’t work the same way as the other galleries, as it opens its exhibitions in various locations.

This gallery mainly exhibits Irish contemporary art and emerging artists. If you visit, don’t miss the basement, which is often filled with various sculptures.

If you’ve planned your visit around St Patrick’s Day, you’ll surely see the fantastic annual Irish Bronze Sculpture Exhibition.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 8- Upper Springfield Urban Art Project

Going beyond the city centre to West Belfast, you’ll find the Upper Springfield Urban Art Project. Here, the community is finding a way to express itself.

As part of a development scheme, residents and artists joined together to create works of art that show their life experiences both now and from the past. With over eighty pieces of original work, this outdoor project interests many.

The collection includes works like the Poet-Tree by artist Raymond Watson and St Gerard’s Educational Resource Centre.

Art Galleries in Belfast – 9- Project 24

Slightly out of Belfast, the innovative Project 24 makes a trip to Bangor worthwhile! Project 24 uses six shipping containers designed and split into two studios, unlike the typical gallery style.

These studios are like light boxes where artists take residency; visitors can see the changing moods and atmospheres depending on when they visit.

Having resident artists, Project 24 opens a communication network that allows for direct interaction—a unique selling point. Project 24 also has a surrounding area known as ‘The Hub,’ which offers many different events, so be sure to check out what’s on!

Art Galleries in Belfast – 10- Belfast Murals

If the city walls could talk, this is where you could hear a whisper in the wind.

It is not quite a gallery, but this is somewhere anyone with a love for art (or history) should visit in Belfast. The outdoor work of art spreads itself across the city of Belfast with over 2,000 murals. Since 1970, there have been around 300, which can be seen today.

With people travelling worldwide to see these famous murals, it may come as a surprise that not all of them are political. While some pay tribute to the area’s troubled past, others simply look at the every day, such as murals of local legend George Best and NI’s Euro 2016 qualification.

Many political murals are along the Peace Walls in Belfast, running around 30km when added together! For anyone visiting the area, and those who live in it too, the Belfast Murals are a definite for both art and the culture of the land.

Conclusion

Belfast’s art galleries offer a fascinating and varied insight into the city’s creative pulse. Whether you’re exploring the rich heritage of the Ulster Museum, engaging with contemporary art at the MAC, or experiencing cutting-edge exhibitions at the Golden Thread Gallery, there’s something for every art lover in this vibrant city.

These galleries are more than just places to view art—they are spaces where ideas are exchanged, boundaries are pushed, and new creative movements are born. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Belfast’s art scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. So, pack your curiosity and immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic art landscape. You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy!