Events

Life Drawing – Model as Muse – Sat 12 Sep 2026

Date: Saturday 12 September 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Life Drawing – Model as Muse
Saturday 12 September 2026, 2pm – 4pm
Adult only (18+) | £15 per person* | Please call 01904 687687 and leave your name and an email address to reserve a space**

**We are currently experiencing issues with our ticketing system, tickets for this event will be available to purchase from front desk on the day of your visit. Please call us on 01904 687687 and leave a message with your name, email address and number of tickets required, and we will add you to our list of attendees.

*General admission to York Art Gallery is included.

Join us at York Art Gallery for Life Drawing Workshops; whether you are a regular participant, would like to hone your skills, or try life drawing for the first time. These 2-hour immersive Saturday sessions, led by York based artist and tutor Rob Oldfield, are a wonderful way to experience life drawing in a supportive and friendly environment.

Rob himself has modelled for life classes for many years, as well as teaching life drawing to his students. As workshop leader, Rob encourages, advises and listens, so come along and take advantage of his skills and experience.

Life Drawing Workshops take place on the second Saturday of each month, tickets will become available approximately a month in advance.

Important information:

Our Life Drawing sessions are suitable for adults only. By booking, you are confirming that you are over 18. Proof of age may be required.

Basic drawing materials will be supplied, but please feel free to bring your own too.

If you’re more than 15 minutes late for your workshop, unfortunately we may not be able to guarantee entry. This is to ensure that participants have the best experience.

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Art for Wellbeing – Sun 13 Sep 2026

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Art for Wellbeing
Sunday 13 September 2026, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Suitable for ages 16+ | Included in general admission | Booking not required

Art activities to release your creative energy!

Set in the beautiful surroundings of York Art Gallery’s Studio space, this 2-hour workshop gives opportunity for discovery and time to explore a variety of art materials and inspiring themes designed to promote wellbeing.

Enjoy the company of others, creating art with gentle guidance from artist Griselda Goldsbrough.

Please note: This practical art workshop is for ages 16+ and runs one Sunday each month. There is no need to pre-book for this session and it is suitable for all abilities.

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Make and Play: Bayeux Tapestry Weaving – Sat 19 Sep 2026

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Make and Play: Bayeux Tapestry Weaving
Saturday 19 September 2026 | 10am – 4pm
Included in general admission

Celebrate the display of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, one of the Yorkshire Museum’s partners, by having a go at weaving in our craft room.

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Bayeux Tapestry Storytelling – Sat 19 Sep 2026

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Bayeux Tapestry Storytelling
Saturday 19 September 2026 | 11am, 1:30pm and 3pm
Included in general admission

Join storyteller Eden for a family-friendly storytelling session inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry!

Discover colourful characters, curious creatures and exciting stories from the past as Eden brings books about the famous tapestry to life. We’ll be celebrating its special display at the British Museum, one of the Yorkshire Museum’s partners.

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Bayeux Tapestry Celebration Curator Tour – Sat 19 Sep 2026

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026, 12:00 pm-12:30 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Bayeux Tapestry Celebration Curator Tour
Saturday 19 September 2026 | 12 noon
Included in general admission

York in 1066: The Bishophill Hoard and York’s connection to the Bayeux Tapestry

1066 is one of the most famous dates in English history, but what did it mean for York? Join our Associate Collections Curator to uncover the city’s fascinating connection to the Norman Conquest. The talk will explore intriguing local evidence and revealing the pivotal role York and its people played in this momentous turning point in history.

You’ll also have the rare opportunity to take a closer look at a genuine coin from this period – an object from the Yorkshire Museum’s collection that isn’t currently on display.

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York Dog Show – Sun 20 Sep 2026

Date: Sunday 20 September 2026, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

York Dog Show
Sunday 20 September 2026
10am – 4pm
Child £2, Adult £5* | Book Now
Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

*Tickets available to purchase online, or at the Yorkshire Museum or York Art Gallery admissions desks.

York Museums Trust is delighted to announce York Dog Show, a new outdoor event in York Museum Gardens. York Dog Show celebrates the bond we share with our beloved furry four-legged friends whilst supporting local organisations and charities.

Browse our pop-up shopping village, filled with pet accessories, toys and treats, informative stalls, and a delicious food and drink offer from local artisans and enjoy a lively programme of activity including talks by veterinary experts, professional dog photography in our beautiful grounds, exciting dog classes and impressive agility demonstrations.

More than just a day out, the York Dog Show brings together a dog loving community in one of York’s most popular outdoor spaces.

Keep an eye out for updates and join us with family, friends and your canine companion for a wonderful day out.

Visitor information: Please enter York Dog Show through the gates to the right of York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW / What3Words: ///salon.copper.civil

Limited seating is available, please feel free to bring your own portable seating or picnic blanket. Women’s, Men’s, and accessible Portaloos will be available. The nearest car park is Marygate Car Park, located Frederic Street, York, YO30 7DT, a 5-minute walk from York Museum Gardens. Parking charges apply.

Programme:

Dog Show and Bale Racing sign up opens for all classes 10am – 11am, first come first served. Max 20 dogs per class. £2 per dog, per entry.

Mini Dog Park and Agility Equipment
10am – 4pm
York Dog Park, Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens
A fun space for dogs to play, explore and try out simple agility challenges.

Bale Racing Competition
12.30pm – 1.30pm
York Dog Park, Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens
Fast-paced races over hay bales, with plenty of fun for dogs and spectators alike.

York Dog Show
Part 1: 11am – 12.30pm | Part 2: 1.30pm – 3.30pm | 3.30 – 4pm Best in Show & Prize Giving
Show Ring 1, Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Categories include: Handsomest Dog, Fanciest Female, Cutest Puppy, Best Purebred Breed, Best Mixed Breed/Cross Breed, Best Trick and Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home.

Dog Training Tips: Ask The Trainer with Jane from True Pawtential
10am – 10.45am
Show Ring 2 (Demo Ring), Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Scent Work Demonstration with Jane from True Pawtential
11.15am – 11.45pm
Show Ring 2 (Demo Ring), Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Dog Grooming Tips and Demonstration with Natalie from Pampered Paws
11.45am – 12.30pm
Show Ring 2 (Demo Ring), Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Mini General Obedience Class with Public with Jane from True Pawtential
1.30pm – 2pm
Show Ring 2 (Demo Ring), Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Agility Demonstrations and Have a Go Agility from Jane from True Pawtential
2pm – 3pm
Show Ring 2 (Demo Ring), Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Dog Training Tips: Ask The Trainer with Jane from True Pawtential
3pm – 4pm
Show Ring 2 (Demo Ring), Pavilion Lawn, York Museum Gardens

Vendors:

Wags & Whiskers

NoseyPaws Pet Products

Levina Darcey Veterinary Physiotherapy

Handmade by Charlie

The Innocent Hound

Fairy Dream Face Painting

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – York Fundraising group

Ernie & Theo

Tower Veterinary Group

The Dog Haven Grooming Studio

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Marine Queen York

Snout & About

Well Behaved Mutts

Bramble & Co

York City Dog Training Club

SitFido – Dog Portraits

RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch

Pure Pet Food

Supported by York Dog Park

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Creative Families: Bayeux Tapestry – Sun 20 Sep 2026

Date: Sunday 20 September 2026, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Creative Families: Bayeux Tapestry
Sunday 20 September 2026 | Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm
Included in general admission

Join us for a Bayeux Tapestry inspired craft session, celebrating its special display at the British Museum, guided by artist Lendita.

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Inspired by Flaxman Talk: Flaxman and the Royal Academy by Dr Richard Johns – Wed 23 Sep 2026

Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026, 12:00 pm-12:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Inspired by Flaxman Talk: Flaxman and the Royal Academy by Dr Richard Johns
Wednesday 23 September 2026
12 noon – 12.30pm
Included in general admission

This talk explores John Flaxman’s lifelong creative association with the Royal Academy of Arts in London. From his early years as one of the first cohort of students of the nascent Academy in 1769, to his appointment as its inaugural Professor of Sculpture, you’ll discover more about the role of anatomical study in the training of aspiring artists.

Richard Johns is a Professor in History of Art at University of York and specialises in aspects of British art from the 17th – 21st centuries, with a focus on the long 18th century. University of York partnered with York Art Gallery to co-curate Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman.

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Gallery Babies – Thu 24 Sep 2026

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Gallery Babies
Thursday 24 September 2026 |10am - 12pm
£2 per person | Book Now

Drop-in sensory play sessions every Thursday during term-time, for pre-walking babies and their grown-ups, set in the atmospheric surroundings of York Art Gallery.

Using our beautiful sensory toolkit, a collection of colourful squishy sculptural objects, sessions will be gently facilitated, exploring shape, colour and texture.

Gallery Babies is a welcoming and supportive space to relax, bond with your baby and meet other parents and carers, providing a bit of calm and care to your daily routine.

The session starts at 10am and finishes at 12pm, but you can drop in and out at any time. Even after the session has finished, our sensory toolkit will be out in the Burton Gallery for you to continue to explore with your baby.

These sessions are designed for pre-walking babies; however, we understand that you may have your hands full with more than one child. The session takes place in the Burton Gallery, a space with plenty of room to play, read and The Studio is also available to eat much needed snacks outside of the galleries if needed. Buggy parking and baby changing facilities available.

We are also offering a special offer in Sketch café for anybody attending a session: Hot drink and cake £7.00 and lunch and drink £15.00.

Please note: Participants must have a pre-booked ticket to attend the session. Gallery Babies admission includes free access to the permanent gallery spaces, tickets for temporary exhibitions require a separate admissions ticket. This event takes place in the Burton Gallery.

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Teachers’ CPD Event: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard – Thu 1 Oct 2026

Date: Thursday 1 October 2026, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Teachers’ CPD Event: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard
Thursday 1 October 2026 | 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Free, booking essential | Book Now

Enjoy a tour of the Chariots, Treasure & Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard exhibition and handle original Iron Age artefacts as we discuss ways of bringing the story of Prehistoric Yorkshire to life in the classroom. We will also share details about the activities and resources we can offer schools at the Yorkshire Museum.

Teas, coffees and cakes will be provided.

This session takes place at the Yorkshire Museum. Spaces at this free event are limited, so secure your place now using our online form.

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