Chichester Art Galleries & Spaces
As an artist who has lived in Chichester for over twenty-five years, I wanted to share some of the best places in the area to see contemporary art. It never ceases to amaze me how much extraordinary art there is to see in such a small area! I’ve divided this guide into three sections: public art galleries and spaces, commercial and independent galleries, and annual exhibitions.
Planning an Art Day in Chichester?
One of the things I love about Chichester is that so much of its art scene is within easy walking distance. You could easily spend a morning at Pallant House Gallery, call into Oxmarket Contemporary, and then discover some of the modern artworks hidden within Chichester Cathedral.
Afterwards, take a wander along Chichester's pretty pedestrianised streets to explore some of its thriving independent galleries. If you have a little more time, the Street Art trail offers another way of seeing the city.
For those with a car, the Goodwood Art Foundation is close enough to make a delightful addition to your visit. And if you happen to be here in May, don't miss the Chichester Open Studios, which is always a fascinating opportunity to see the work of talented local artists.
Public Art Galleries & Spaces
Pallant House Gallery
This is a place close to my heart! I have been facilitating workshops as part of the community team here for over twenty years, and I’m so grateful to have been part of this artistic community.
Pallant House began life as a public gallery in 1985, following the bequest of Reverend Walter Hussey’s personal art collection after his death. Hussey, who was Dean of Chichester, had built up an important collection of modern British art. The gallery benefited from a major modern extension in 2006 and now has one of the most extensive collections of modern British art outside London.
There are usually two or three curated exhibitions on at any one time, as well as works from the permanent collection on display in the older part of the building. These include pieces by many famous British artists, such as Damien Hirst, Peter Blake and Barbara Hepworth. Pallant regularly receives glowing reviews in the national press for its exhibitions. The gallery also runs a vibrant community programme with regular workshops and exhibitions in the education studio, alongside family gallery trails and children's art workshops.
TOP TIP: The ground floor of the gallery is free to enter. Here you can visit the Print Room, which also hosts its own changing exhibitions. There is also a café and a beautiful courtyard, where you can see Roman Standard — a sculpture by Tracey Emin.
Pallant House Gallery: 8–9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TJ.
Open: Tuesday–Saturday (10.00am–5.00pm) and Sundays (10.00am-4.00pm). Closed on Mondays.
Oxmarket Contemporary
Oxmarket Contemporary was originally a church building dating back to the 13th century — St Andrew Oxmarket — and now serves as a thriving exhibition space for professional artists and regional art groups to showcase their work.
There is one large exhibition space occupying the original site of the chapel, the John Rank Gallery, as well as a smaller space for studio exhibitions, the Doris Wilson Gallery. Exhibitions change regularly, usually around once a fortnight, so there is often something new to see.
The gallery also has a small art shop featuring work by local artists, as well as ever-helpful and friendly staff. Entry is free.
TOP TIP: The gallery is located just off East Street, down a narrow alleyway, so it’s easy to miss. Look out for the signage near the Halifax Bank, just past M&S.
Oxmarket Contemporary: St Andrew's Court, off East Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1YH.
Open: Tuesday–Saturday (10.00am–4.30pm) and Sundays (12 noon-4.00pm). Closed on Mondays.
Chichester Cathedral
If you’re visiting Chichester and have an interest in twentieth-century and contemporary art, this is a must-see. The Cathedral contains a number of remarkable modern works, as well as frequently hosting exhibitions of contemporary religious art.
Along the north quire aisle, near the shrine of St Richard, is a captivating stained-glass window by Marc Chagall — a great cacophony of shimmering reds inspired by the words of Psalm 150. In the south-east corner, you’ll find an enchanting portrayal of Mary discovering the risen Christ, whom she mistakenly believed to be a gardener: Noli Me Tangere by Graham Sutherland.
On either side of the high altar are two landmark tapestries: a seven-piece modernist masterpiece celebrating the Holy Trinity by John Piper, and, on the rear side, the Anglo-German Tapestry — a vibrant composition designed by German artist Ursula Benker-Schirmer, rich in symbolism and illustrating miracles associated with St Richard.
TOP TIP: The Cathedral also offers informative guided tours from Monday to Saturday at 11:30am and 2:30pm (subject to Cathedral closures).
Chichester Cathedral: Cathedral Cloisters, West Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1PX.
Open: Monday–Saturday (9.00am–5.00pm) and Sundays (12.30pm–2.30pm).
Chichester Street Art
There are currently around a dozen examples of urban art dotted around the streets of Chichester, most of which were created for the Chichester Street Art Festival in 2013.
The photograph above shows a piece by Spanish artist Liqen, who creates mystical and highly detailed work. You’ll find it on the western wall of Metro House, which stands within the large roundabout at the top of North Street. It's not immediately obvious as it's hidden behind a very large tree!
TOP TIP: Ali Richards has created a great walking guide, which you can follow by clicking this link here. The walk takes in works by artists including Stik, Liqen and Nunca, amongst others, and offers an interesting way to explore a different side of the city.
Chichester Street Art Trail: begins at the corner of Spitafield Lane and St Pancras.
Sculpture in Chichester
If you’re visiting Chichester, don’t miss the opportunity to be photographed next to John Keats! The John Keats Seat sculpture in Eastgate Square, by Vincent Gray, is a popular spot where visitors regularly take selfies alongside this great figure of English literature.
Other highlights across the city include the dramatic Statue of St Richard by Philip Jackson, near the entrance to the Cathedral; the beautiful Minerva Sculpture, outside the Chichester Festival Theatre, also by Jackson; and the bronze statue of Spartacus by Tom Merrifield in Oaklands Park.
TOP TIP: You can discover more about the many sculptures and statues dotted around Chichester by reading this informative article by Elaine Hammond.
Otter Collective
As a former arts graduate of the University of Chichester, returning to the Bishop Otter Campus always brings back happy memories!
The University has recently opened a new gallery space in the Learning Resources Centre, and a curated exhibition featuring the art of Dame Iris Murdoch has already attracted the attention of the national press.
It also holds an impressive collection of work by well-known British artists, including Alfred Wallis, David Hockney, Graham Sutherland and Ivon Hitchens. You can explore more examples from the collection by clicking here.
TOP TIP: The exhibition space is located around the café and reception area, just to the right as you enter the Learning Resources Centre. It’s free to visit and open to the public.
Otter Collective: The Learning Resources Centre, Bishop Otter Campus, College Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PE.
Open: you can check the current opening times here.
Goodwood Art Foundation
Lying just north of the city, and only a 10–15 minute drive away, is one of Chichester’s most exciting newer art experiences: the Goodwood Art Foundation.
Originally the Cass Sculpture Foundation, which closed in 2020, the site has now been revitalised and reimagined by the Goodwood Estate. It features two curated indoor galleries and a sculpture park set within 70 acres of beautiful South Downs landscape. The centre also offers plenty for families to enjoy, including a fun I-Spy Trail and free children's workshops.
In 2025, its inaugural exhibition featured the work of groundbreaking British sculptor Rachel Whiteread.
TOP TIP: Don’t miss the new restaurant 24 when you visit, with its striking architecture and beautiful views across the woodlands (see photo above).
Goodwood Art Foundation: New Barn Hill, Goodwood, Chichester, PO18 0QP.
Open: Wednesday–Sunday (9.00am–5.00pm). (N.B. November-April closes at 4.00pm).
Commercial & Independent Galleries
GraffitiStreet Art Gallery
Located almost at the end of West Street, beyond the Cathedral on the opposite side, is one of Chichester’s hidden gems: GraffitiStreet.
Featuring work by leading street artists such as Banksy, Invader and Bisser, alongside emerging local talent, this is a must-see for anyone with an interest in urban art.
My husband and son called in recently and found the owners welcoming, highly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their latest exhibition.
GraffitiStreet Art Gallery: 25A West Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1QW.
Open: Wednesday–Saturday (10.00am–5.00pm).
Artisan Gallery
This is a small contemporary art space run by a collective of local artists and located near the top of North Street. Most works are priced between £50 and £200, with a wide range of media and artistic styles on display.
There is also a beautiful selection of ceramics and glass, as well as handmade jewellery.
Artisan Gallery: 58 North Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1NB.
Open: Every day 10.00am–4.00pm.
Cloud Gallery
Further down North Street lies Cloud Gallery, housing a varied display of contemporary fine art. Here you can discover the street-art-inspired work of #ONELIFE183, beautiful original oil paintings by Ukrainian-born artist Andrei Protsouk, and endearing ceramic animal sculptures created by Andrew Stott.
Cloud Gallery: 2 North House, North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LR.
Open: Monday–Friday (10.00am–5.30pm), Saturday 9.00am-6.00pm and Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm.
Clarendon Fine Art
This is Chichester’s largest commercial art gallery, with an extensive collection of street, pop and contemporary art.
Worth seeking out at the rear of the gallery are prints by L. S. Lowry. Works by masters such as David Hockney and Salvador Dalí are also sometimes on display.
Clarendon Fine Art: 36a East Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1HS.
Open: Monday–Saturday (9.30am–5.30pm), Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm.
Art for All
Tucked away in Chichester’s pretty Church Square courtyard is Art for All, an independent art gallery and framing service. The gallery features limited-edition prints and ceremics by artists such as JJ Adams, Gary Walton and Sam Toft, alongside original work by modern impressionist Lee MacCarthy.
Art for All: The Square, Eastgate, Chichester PO19 7LJ.
Open: Tuesday–Saturday (9.30am–5.00pm), Monday 9.30am–4.30pm.
Annual Art Exhibitions
Chichester Open Studios
For five days every May, local artists open their studio doors to the public, offering the opportunity to see their work and gain an insight into their artistic processes.
In 2026, the art trail featured over 150 artists across more than 100 venues in Chichester and the surrounding area. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and learn more about their work and practice.
Chichester Open Studios: various art studios and artist homes in Chichester and district during selected dates in May.
West Dean Summer Show
The West Dean Summer Show is staged in the Edward James Studios at West Dean College, around a 15-minute drive from Chichester, every July.
It showcases the work of emerging artists from the art and craft Diploma, Degree and MA programmes, working across a wide variety of media.
We’ve visited on many occasions and are always impressed by the breadth of talent, originality and quality on display. Also not to be missed is the exhibition of beautifully crafted handmade musical instruments.
West Dean Summer Show: Edward James Studios, West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QX.
I’m Julie Palmer, a professional artist who has lived and worked in Chichester for over twenty-five years. Alongside creating portraits for clients across the world, my work has also led to commissions for British television and members of the Royal Family.
Having spent so many years as both an artist and a visitor to the many creative spaces in and around Chichester, I wanted to share some of the places that, for me, make this area such a wonderful place to discover art.