Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens houses varies collections of fine and decorative art, history, archaeology and natural sciences. It was the first local authority museum outside of London to open following the Museums Act of 1845. The current building opened in 1879 and stimulated the growth of the collections.
The art collection’s strengths are works by 19th and 20th century British artists including Gabrielle Dante Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, Clarkson Stanfield, Edward Burra and a number of works by L S Lowry. Highlights of the contemporary collection include Ged Quinn‘s painting Garden of Earthly Delights and Matt Stokes‘ photographs relating to his film Long After the Tonight.
The Museum has a varied programme of temporary exhibitions as well as permanent galleries showcasing the art collections.