Events

Life Drawing – Model as Muse – Sat 25 Jul 2026

Date: Saturday 25 July 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Life Drawing – Model as Muse
Saturday 25 July 2026, 2pm – 4pm
Adult only (18+) | £15 per person* | Tickets available soon

*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.

Each month alongside our live model muse, there will be an appropriate reproduction of a work specially selected from the Art Gallery collection which we will reference to potentially inspire our activity.

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.

View event >

York Proms – Sun 26 Jul 2026

Date: Sunday 26 July 2026, 5:30 pm-10:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Sunday 26 July 2026 | 5.30pm-10.30pm | York Museum Gardens

Book tickets here

The York Proms returns to the York Museum Gardens on Sunday 26 July 2026, with a great night of live entertainment featuring live orchestra, soloists, a stunning fireworks finale and local talent on the warm up stage.

Tickets are available to buy on the York Proms website.

View event >

‘Making Waves: The Magic of Materials’ with Professor Helen Smith – Wed 5 Aug 2026

Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026, 12:00 pm-12:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

‘Making Waves: The Magic of Materials’ with Professor Helen Smith
Wednesday 5 August 2026 | 12 noon – 12.30pm
Included in general admission

Join Professor Helen Smith, founding co-director of Thin Ice Press and Head of the Department of English and Related Literature at the University of York, for an insightful talk exploring the materials of Japanese printmaking.

Learn how traditional inks, woods for carving and washi, a Japanese paper contribute to the textures and effects seen in the historic works on display in the exhibition. Helen will investigate the ‘water magic’ of washi and explain how skilled makers make waves in the sugeta (papermaking mold) to produce an exceptional finish.

View event >

Making Waves: A Closing Celebration – Sat 29 Aug 2026

Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Making Waves: A Closing Celebration

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026 | 10am – 5pm

Included in general admission

Suitable for all ages

Join us to celebrate the closing of the Making Waves exhibition with a weekend of music, workshops, creative activities, food, drink and festivities for all the family in the gallery and Museum Gardens. More details about the programme coming soon.

View event >

The Art of Kokedama – Sat 29 Aug 2026

Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

The Art of Kokedama

Saturday 29 August 2026 | 11am- 12 noon

£25 pp | Tickets available soon

Suitable for ages 10+

In this creative session, Alice from The Outside In will take you step-by-step through the traditional style of creating Kokedama: using leafy plants and moss. Kokedama, roughly translates into English as ‘moss ball.’

You’ll learn the method of binding the root ball of a plant in a clay soil mix and moss, so that it no longer needs a pot to grow in. It’s a great opportunity to learn about handling plants, roots and soil, making the most of time well spent connecting to nature.

When you finish, you’ll have a Kokedama plant ball to take home and love. Your mossy plant ball can then be hung up or displayed sitting on a decorative plate or piece of wood.

All of the materials and guidance will be provided, along with aftercare instructions on how to help your Kokedama to thrive, and a bag to safely transport your plant home.

All materials are provided.

Participants aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

View event >

Making Waves: A Closing Celebration – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Making Waves: A Closing Celebration

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026 | 10am – 5pm

Included in general admission

Suitable for all ages

Join us to celebrate the closing of the Making Waves exhibition with a weekend of music, workshops, creative activities, food, drink and festivities for all the family in the gallery and Museum Gardens. More details about the programme coming soon.

View event >

The Art of Kokedama – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

The Art of Kokedama

Sunday 30 August 2026 | 11am- 12 noon

£25 pp | Tickets available soon

Suitable for ages 10+

In this creative session, Alice from The Outside In will take you step-by-step through the traditional style of creating Kokedama: using leafy plants and moss. Kokedama, roughly translates into English as ‘moss ball.’

You’ll learn the method of binding the root ball of a plant in a clay soil mix and moss, so that it no longer needs a pot to grow in. It’s a great opportunity to learn about handling plants, roots and soil, making the most of time well spent connecting to nature.

When you finish, you’ll have a Kokedama plant ball to take home and love. Your mossy plant ball can then be hung up or displayed sitting on a decorative plate or piece of wood.

All of the materials and guidance will be provided, along with aftercare instructions on how to help your Kokedama to thrive, and a bag to safely transport your plant home.

All materials are provided.

Participants aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

View event >

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 | York Museum Gardens

Tickets available soon

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.

We are now welcoming applications from businesses who would like to showcase their products at this exciting new event in the heart of York City Centre. Applications are open until 30 April 2026. To register your interest, please complete the trader booking form. Our Events Team will endeavour to acknowledge to your application within 5 working days. You can view the T&Cs here.

Admission tickets will be on sale soon – keep an eye out for updates and join us with family, friends and your canine companion for a wonderful day out.