Enjoy Family Activities and Exhibitions at York Art Gallery This February Half-Term
Visitors heading to York Art Gallery between Saturday 14 February and Sunday 22 February 2026 can explore a dynamic mix of hands-on workshops, artist talks, and centuries-old collections. This February break places a special focus on craftsmanship and creativity, providing engaging experiences for family visitors and art enthusiasts alike.
Creative Workshops and Family Events Inspired by Harold Gosney
The gallery's seasonal programme takes inspiration from the ongoing exhibition Harold Gosney: Materials and Making, which showcases a lifetime of drawings and sculptures celebrating form, movement, and horses. Aligning with the Lunar New Year's Year of the Horse, the gallery has curated several ways for visitors to interact with the collection:
- Creative Families Sessions: Taking place on Sunday 15 and Thursday 19 February, these artist-led sessions invite participants to create 2D drawings and 3D horse sculptures.
- Open Studio: Available throughout the day on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February for self-led crafting.
- Wicked Wednesday: Scheduled for 18 February, Story Craft Theatre presents an interactive storytelling adventure tailored for children aged 2 to 8 years.
- Artist Talk: On Friday 20 February from 12 noon, Harold Gosney will host From Sketch to Sculpture, discussing his 65-year mixed-media career, the importance of preparatory drawing, and a live Q&A session.
Most half-term activities are included within general admission, though the interactive storytelling experience requires an additional fee. Tickets can be secured ahead of time via the York Art Gallery website or purchased directly at the admissions desk.
Exploring Collections and Upcoming Exhibitions
Beyond the half-term schedule, guests can explore the Burton Gallery for quiet reflection, sensory play, and reading spaces, or enjoy refreshments downstairs at the Sketch Café, open Wednesday through Sunday. The Centre of Ceramic Art also features notable displays such as the Wall of Women, the Anthony Shaw Collection, and handling collections.
Looking ahead, the gallery prepares to open its major spring exhibition, Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print, on 27 February 2026. This exhibition includes Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave, on loan from Maidstone Museum, alongside a series of specialized events like Ikebana flower arranging and traditional bookbinding workshops.
To plan your cultural itinerary across the city, explore more local highlights through Musemap (musemap.art). You can find additional venues via the museums list or discover what is currently open on the map view.
