Exploring the Easter Programme 2026 at York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery is marking the successful launch of its landmark exhibition, Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print, with a packed schedule of seasonal events. Featuring iconic works such as Hokusai’s The Great Wave on loan from Maidstone Museum, the exhibition has quickly established itself as a major cultural attraction in the North of England. To complement the display, a diverse series of workshops, curator talks, and family activities has been announced for the Easter holiday period.
Special Exhibitions and Highlights for Visitors
Running from Saturday 28 March through Sunday 12 April 2026, the Easter programme invites visitors of all ages to engage directly with the themes of the Japanese print exhibition.
Exhibition highlights and scheduled events include:
- Curator Talks: On Wednesday 1 April, exhibition curator Eleanor Jackson will lead a talk titled Secret Lives of Samurai Women, examining a newly acquired Hashimoto Chikanobu print secured by the Friends of York Art Gallery.
- Hands-On Family Crafting: Drop-in sessions such as Family Relief Printing on 10 April and artist-led Creative Families workshops on selected dates allow visitors to experiment with inks, stamps, and textures to create sea-themed artworks.
- Specialized Workshops: Older children and adults can participate in a dedicated Lino Printmaking Workshop on Saturday 28 March to carve and print a miniature wave.
- Gallery Tales: Story Craft Theatre will host interactive storytelling sessions tailored for younger audiences aged 2 to 8 on Wednesdays during the break.
Alongside the temporary print displays, visitors can explore the wider permanent collections, sculpture displays like Harold Gosney: Materials and Making, and the ceramic works featured in Not a Pot.
Planning Your Visit to York Art Gallery
Due to anticipated high visitor numbers throughout the Easter break, pre-booking online is recommended, though not strictly mandatory. To accommodate increased demand, the gallery will open for an additional day on Tuesday 7 April.
Beyond the gallery walls, visitors can explore the Japanese-inspired zen garden located at the rear of the building within York Museum Gardens. A seasonal spring nature trail organised alongside the Yorkshire Museum is also running throughout the gardens for families seeking outdoor exploration.
Further details on upcoming events and ticket bookings can be found directly on the York Art Gallery website. To discover more cultural highlights and upcoming exhibitions across the city, you can explore the city guides on Musemap (musemap.art), browse the complete museums list, or check out what's on exhibitions.
