What Is Yale Center Of British Art? Plan Your Visit

The Yale Center for British Art is a public art museum and research institute located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of British art outside the United Kingdom, with a collection of over 2,000 paintings, 30,000 drawings and watercolors, and 30,000 prints. The center was founded in 1966 by Paul Mellon, a member of the Mellon family and a renowned collector of British art, and it is affiliated with Yale University.

History and Architecture

The Yale Center for British Art was designed by architect Louis Kahn and opened to the public in 1977. The building is considered one of Kahn’s most important works and is known for its innovative design, which combines modern materials and techniques with traditional British architectural elements. The center’s collection is housed in a four-story building that features a grand courtyard, a lecture hall, and a range of exhibition galleries. The building’s design is intended to evoke the sense of a British country house, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore and learn about the collection.

Collection Highlights

The Yale Center for British Art has an extensive collection of British art from the 16th to the 20th centuries, including works by famous artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Thomas Gainsborough. The collection also includes a wide range of decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, and textiles. Some of the highlights of the collection include:

• Paintings by J.M.W. Turner, including his famous landscape paintings and seascapes
• Works by John Constable, including his landscapes and portraits
• A collection of British watercolors, including works by artists such as William Blake and Samuel Palmer
• A range of decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, and textiles from the 16th to the 20th centuries

The center also has an extensive library and archive, which includes over 30,000 volumes and a range of manuscripts and other materials related to British art and culture.

Plan Your Visit

The Yale Center for British Art is open to the public and offers a range of exhibitions, programs, and events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the collection and exhibitions on their own or take a guided tour. The center also offers a range of educational programs and activities for adults and children, including lectures, workshops, and family events.

Exhibitions and Programs

The Yale Center for British Art offers a range of exhibitions and programs throughout the year, including:

• Temporary exhibitions that showcase the center's collection and loans from other institutions
• Guided tours of the collection and exhibitions
• Lectures and workshops on topics related to British art and culture
• Family events and activities, including hands-on art projects and storytelling

Visitors can check the center's website for up-to-date information on exhibitions and programs, as well as to plan their visit and purchase tickets.

Getting There and Parking

The Yale Center for British Art is located in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. The center offers limited parking on site, although there are also several public parking garages and lots nearby.

Public Transportation

Visitors can take the train to New Haven’s Union Station, which is a short walk from the center. The center is also served by several bus routes, including the Yale University shuttle bus.