Museums and galleries that make you feel good
Brighten up your next culture trip with a visit to one of these museums or art galleries.
Everyone loves to complain about January but let's be real – February can be tough too!
After navigating that first month and countless empty promises about how this is going to be the year you finally get your life in order, reaching that second month and realising you may not have achieved the impossibly high expectations you've imposed on yourself can feel disappointing.
But look, we're not here to judge. What's most important is that you take care of yourself, whatever that looks like. And one thing that can lift the spirits on the gloomiest of days is a good old culture trip.
Whether you're into immersive art experiences, interactive exhibitions or experiencing culture in the great outdoors, we've selected eight museums and art galleries across the UK that can give you that feel-good feeling. Plus, you'll get great discounts at every venue with a National Art Pass.
Discover some of the best feel-good museums and galleries to visit with an Art Pass
Lightroom
Be dazzled by epic installations at London's Lightroom, where artists and creatives use revolutionary technologies to create innovative and immersive works of art in a vast space. You'll probably leave here feeling mesmerised.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Towering over the River Tyne, the Baltic is a former flour mill converted into a centre for contemporary art with six floors. These comprise gallery spaces, a viewing platform, a restaurant, a library, a sensory playroom and a great gift shop, making it a very fun building to explore. There's also an incredible exhibition programme, showing leading contemporary artists from around the world.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Get outdoors and immerse yourself in art at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, set across 500 acres of 18th-century landscape. With over 100 sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists, including Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei, plus six indoor gallery spaces, there is so much to discover, making this the perfect day out for anyone who loves art or nature.
National Football Museum
Go football crazy at Manchester's National Football Museum, where you can learn all about the history of the beautiful game, play fun and interactive games, including a penalty shootout and Match of the Day commentary challenge, or check out the exhibitions.
Queer Britain
Just around the corner from Lightroom, you'll find the inspiring and uplifting Queer Britain, the UK's first and only LGBTQ+ museum. Through exhibitions, events, talks and workshops, they celebrate the queer community and preserve people's stories in order to create a better future for everyone.
Towner Eastbourne
The vibrant façade of Towner Eastbourne can brighten up the skyline (or your mood) on the gloomiest of days and makes the gallery particularly inviting. Plus, it makes a great backdrop for selfies. The dynamic exhibition programme includes diverse and exciting contemporary artists. And don't miss the latest Turner Prize exhibition, where you can see 2023's winning installation by Jesse Darling, plus the three shortlisted artists.
Charleston
Hop on the bus from Eastbourne to Charleston in Firle and discover a stunning 17th-century farmhouse converted into a home, studio and stomping ground for the influential Bloomsbury Group. Each room is covered in artworks and artefacts that reveal the rich lives and creativity of the people who lived and visited here. You're guaranteed to leave feeling inspired, and maybe a bit envious.
Dovecot Studios
See artists at work in a leading tapestry studio while discovering innovative contemporary artists at Dovecot Studios in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Housed in a renovated Victorian baths, Dovecot offers an incredible exhibitions and events programme for anyone interested in making and creativity.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.