We had a little trouble finding this museum since signage was lacking on the front of the building. We went on a weekday and this museum was pretty empty. Free admittance and free lockers are provided in the basement for our big purses, coats, and water bottles. We took their recommendation and started at the top on the 4th floor and made our way down. There are a lot of paintings so it took us awhile and we ran out of time. The museum closes at 5pm and we were only there for 90 mins. read more

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WOW. As a bit of an architecture nerd, I made a point to visit the Yale Center for British Art when I was in New Haven a week or so ago, and I'm so glad I did. The museum was designed by Louis Kahn, and the building is incredible. It's built around two interior courtyards and has a spiral staircase hidden inside a concrete cylinder. Its design includes travertine, white oak, and concrete. As with his other museum that I love (the Kimbell in Fort Worth), the lighting is incredible (the skylights are designed in such a way as to allow in the most possible light, but diffused to protect the art). I knew when we walked in that we didn't have long in the museum, so I asked a docent for the architectural highlights, and he was kind enough to steer us to the most special aspects and rooms of the building's design. But so you don't think the museum is just an empty building, I should mention the art!! Their permanent collection is interesting - the largest and most comprehensive collection of British art outside the UK. When we visited, the museum also had some interesting temporary exhibits: "Tracey Emin: I Loved You Until the Morning" and "J. M. W. Turner: Romance and Reality." It's a really beautiful museum - both the architecture and the art. I'd love to return when I have more time - to really enjoy the collection and not just the architecture next time! What a museum! read more

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Beautiful museum in downtown New Haven. Helpful staff. Varied collection, well displayed, well lighted. read more

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Baptist collection of British artwork by the largest in the US. And if you're lucky enough, everyone's well. You'll hear a yell soon and practicing singing or using an instrument, a violin or a piano. Great way to spend day read more

The Yale Center for British Art is a very cool museum right near the Yale University Campus in New Haven, and it's open to the public and completely free! This museum had been closed for two years for renovations, and just opened back up a few weeks ago. I went the weekend after it reopened, and it was absolutely beautiful! (although I had never been before the renovations) I was surprised to learn that this museum actually holds the largest collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom, which I thought was pretty amazing! From the street you will enter the museum atrium, where there is an information desk and an area with some books for sale. There are then elevators and a large spiral staircase you can take to visit the three floors of art on display. There is also a basement where the bathrooms are located. According to their website, "The museum's collections include more than 2,000 paintings, 250 sculptures, 20,000 drawings and watercolors, 40,000 prints, and 35,000 rare books and manuscripts dating from the fifteenth century to the present." Overall I would highly recommend checking out this awesome museum, and again, admission is free, so why not?! And directly across the street is the Yale University Art Gallery, another free museum filled with over 300,000 objects on display. And fun fact, it is the oldest university art museum in the western hemisphere! read more

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We are very fortunate in New Haven to have two spectacular art museums across the street from each other. It is the perfect impressive opportunity for guests from out of town to experience both the quality and quantity of truly historic unique pieces of art. The Yale center for British art offers free admission and has quite an impressive quantity of quality paintings, sculptures, drawings, watercolors, prints, and even rare books and manuscripts. For those who appreciate British art, this is one of the most impressive collections outside of the United Kingdom. Most of the art covers the periods from the 16th century to today. read more

Not bad, but having lived in England for over five years and travelled around the UK just to check out museums, I've indeed seen (much) more fascinating collections. I assume this center serves more of an educational purpose. May I also add that there were some staff who did not even tried to hide their distaste for non-white visitors, and I was not the only one who detected that. It was really absurd, since it was during the summer and most visitors were apparently international. read more

Free museum in New Haven which I highly recommend. I would normally have thought a museum focusing solely on British art would be boring but it was really great. I loved the one hall which had floor to ceiling art hung salon style by theme crossing genres, which was fun to see. It's rare to see art hung in that manner, mixing eras. The only bad thing was the app they used in lieu of description labels only worked about half the time but it was fun guessing the artists and seeing a Frances Bacon hidden amount the pictures. Knowing that a British museum could be very one note they had as lot of art from the colonial period featuring non white people and an Op Art temporary exhibit that was lots of fun. Finally the Louis Kahn designed building was gorgeous (he also designed the other art museum at Yale). He designed it in such a wonderful way, which allowed for an intuitive way to see all the art without backtracking, let natural light in through an atrium spanning all the floors and placed the center staircase as an architecture point of interest. Very worth a visit! read more

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"Pretty little legs, I want to draw them, Like a Degas ballerina. Pure white skin, like porcelain, She's a work of art and I should know I'm an art lover." (Art Lover - The Kinks) What will an art lover get in exchange for his or her free admission to the Yale Center for British Art? Not much except for 2,000 paintings, 250 sculptures, 20,000 drawings and watercolors, 40,000 prints, and 35,000 rare books and manuscripts. It's beyond incredible. It contains the largest collection of British art found anywhere outside of the UK. History is everywhere, with exhibits and jaw dropping art spanning the decades from 1550 to today. I enjoyed two of today's current exhibitions, and the subjects were about as far apart as you could imagine. The first was "Instruction and Delight: Children's Games", and it was a very cool collection of 18th and 19th century children's games including some very old board games. The second had the dark title of "Before the Deluge: Apocalyptic Floodscapes". It was a collection of paintings spanning the 1700s through today all on the happy subject of apocalyptic floods and the watery end of the world. Cheery enough for ya? I had a wonderful time here, and I'll bet you a few pounds that you will too. read more

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How did I not know that this museum was FREE? This museum has the largest collection of British art outside the UK. I only scratched the surface during my maiden trip, where I saw the temporary George Shaw exhibit. Stunning. I've never seen paintings quite like his, and he makes the mundane captivating and mysterious. Sorry to say that if you're reading this review, you missed it. But it demonstrates that this museum can bring in some substantial artists. The museum itself is large and lofty, with a central, airy space that ties the rooms together. I can't wait to come back. read more

The museum is closed for building conservation but they are offering tours and online talks. The Sculptures are spectacular. Staff are welcoming and hospitable. Plan extra time to find on Street Metered parking. The short stroll along the sidewalks of the Elm City are worth it. Admission is free read more

The Yale Center for British Art is absolutely amazing attraction in downtown New Haven, Conn. This must-visit art museum is open to the public at no cost. Big thank you to Yale University for enriching the cultural capital of the city with all that the Yale Center for British Art brings to the table. The Yale Center for British Art also happens to be the newest building on the historic stretch of Chapel Street opposite the Old Campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Here is what I found out on Wikipedia: "The building was designed by Louis I. Kahn and constructed at the corner of York and Chapel Streets in New Haven, across the street from one of Kahn's earliest buildings, the Yale University Art Gallery, built in 1953. The Yale Center for British Art was completed after Kahn's death in 1974, and opened to the public on April 15, 1977. The exterior is made of matte steel and reflective glass; the interior is made of travertine marble, white oak, and Belgian linen. Kahn succeeded in creating intimate galleries where one can view objects in diffused natural light. He wanted to allow in as much daylight as possible, with artificial illumination used only on dark days or in the evening. The building's design, materials, and sky-lit rooms combine to provide an environment for the works of art that is simple and dignified." My big recommendation is to check out the "Long Gallery" on the top floor of the Yale Center for British Art. Returning again to Wikipedia: "In architecture, a long gallery is a long, narrow room, often with a high ceiling. In Britain, long galleries were popular in Elizabethan and Jacobean houses. They were often located on the upper floor of the great houses of the time, and they stretched across the entire frontage of the building. They served several purposes: they were used for entertaining guests, for taking exercise in the form of walking when the weather was inclement, and for displaying art collections." Thank you again to the university and the team for this remarkable place (and free to visit) full of inspiring artwork. If you have not yet been, what are you waiting for? Go visit the incredible (free) Yale Center for British Art! read more

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Finally got a chance to see the collection and it was well worth the wait. Great collection of British art and the building (by architect Louis Kahn) is beautifully maintained and a joy to tour. Admission is free and requires an advance reservation due to covid. read more

Love this museum. Small but mighty. It is a great afternoon of viewing some classic paintings mixed with new acquisitions. Worth a look. read more

Yale Center for British Art - 4th floor gallery - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The building itself is breathtaking! It's a must see, architecture-wise. The light, airy space, and use of natural wood set an extraordinary mood. There are four floors of pure beauty. The top floor has the Long Gallery. You can see down and across, and admire the amazing skylight even closer. This building is sort of like a modernist cathedral. We went to view the Pre Raphaelite exhibition. I have always loved them. What a great opportunity to see much of their art, and how it came about. If you are anything like me, you will love this terrific chance to see all this incredible beauty! read more

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Setting the art (which is fantastic) aside and just considering the building, the YCBA is one of the most remarkable building I have ever been in. From the outside it is one of the first buildings to have street level rented retail space, which prevents the building from killing the streetscape, The gallery is tucked into a corner and there is almost no hint in the exterior of what the interior contains.The dark entrance cave then.. . The interiors wood work is so finely fit. So simple. So calm. It was Louis Kahn last major work. the Yale Art Gallery across the street his first major work. Some of the themes echo from the YAG but so much more controlled, confident, cohesive. Look at the exterior a bit before entering. Inside, if you can, take the stairs. read more

Accidentally stumbled on this museum while walking around New Haven with my girlfriend. We didn't have any reserved tickets, but the staff was super accommodating and allowed us to get tickets as walk-ins. To my surprise, this was a free museum. It's four levels with exhibits on three levels and lockers for your things in the basement level. The museum isn't huge, so expect to spend only a few hours. read more

The art is good. Quite meaningful.Great place to visit when visiting New haven. Also it's FREE

Since moving out of NYC years ago I find myself frequently visiting the Yale Center for British Art on a regular basis for a local splash of culture, there is alway something new to experience! The current exhibitions are no exception! Britain in the World, Art in Focus, Eileen Hogan: Personal Geographies (a favorite of mine). This Louis I. Kahn building is a treasure, I frequently visit just to admire the building itself. Combine the two (the building and collections) and you are certain to have a wonderful visit. Go and enjoy! read more

Yale Center for British Art - Simply wonderful! - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Amazing spot. 1) I can't believe it is free. 2) One of the floors was closed, so it gives me an excuse to come back. 3) I enjoyed the art collection presented at the museum. read more

Yale Center for British Art - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Super collection of English Turners, Shaw's, Gainsborough, Constables. One can't overstate the beauty of Yale's gothic spires and stone. Yale's Art is in one of them. Multi-level affair with wood floors displaying some of the best Victorian and earlier art from England I have seen in any place. Unsurpassed! Rebel review: 5 stars read more

I came here because I was curious what British art included. Definitely a fun place if you're in an observant mood and want to let your imagination run wild off these artworks. The works ranged from landscapes, to portraits, to more abstract modern pieces, and even included some old currencies and sculptures. Bathrooms and lockers are located in the basement and you are given a free locker to hold your bag upon entering. read more

Yale Center for British Art - The Deluge, my favorite piece - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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It's a really nice small museum. The art pieces were spaced out perfectly. There were plenty of seating through the museum should you get tired. The 4th floor holds their permanent collection. The 3rd floor holds their contemporary art collection. The 2nd floor was a mix of special exhibits and a permanent collection. Their basement had free digital lockers and restrooms. Everywhere were extremely clean. read more

Unique I would say ! Outside the UK I've never seen so much British art under one roof.OK , Britain was never the artistic power house that France or Italy were in their glory days.But a lot of worthwhile art came from there and here it is.There was a good special exhibition by an artist named George Shaw which runs for awhile.He's a hyper realist of obvious talent.The museum is free. read more

Yale Center for British Art - Here it us - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Solid 4 Stars. Interestingly curated, Free, Unlimited photography snapping, Louis Kahn. The space- It's a sight alone just to come to see the architecture, the creation of the Louis Kahn. Concrete open space, beautiful and modern. The arts- I am no expert in British arts, especially anything pre-war. But you can feel the excellence in the air right when you walk in. The only thing i was able to recognized sadly was the Francis Bacon pieces, which tells you how vast and diverse their collection is! read more

Yale Center for British Art - 2nd Floor - view of Yale Campus - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I haven't been to this museum in 25 years and it's good to see how they've keep on their toes. They clearly continue to curate their collection, rearranging and reorganizing their displays, updating their descriptions with recent research, etc. The third floor was closed off today for installations. I would like to see as detailed descriptions of the works of modern British art on the second floor as they have for earlier art on the fourth floor. Definitely looking forward to coming back. read more

Free, awesome and well layed out. Great East Indian art museum with changing exhibits... Did I mention it was free. But in all seriousness, a grand collection of art. Real nice museum. read more

Another one of the many great free museums in New Haven with amazing art on display. It is small, but well curated, with free tours. Each floor has its own theme. There is a floor for rotating exhibits. There are free lockers for use in the basement, and the bathrooms are clean. read more

We spent several hours here on a Sunday afternoon. Had a wonderful guided tour of the Eileen Hogan: Personal Geographies exhibit. The collection is diverse but not overwhelming. The museum itself was comfortable, accessible, had clean, single-person bathrooms, and free lockers. Would definitely recommend to anyone. read more

We visited the museum yesterday and really liked it; the collection is lovely and so is the building's interior. Also, the guards were all very friendly. Amazingly, admission is free - and it's right across the street from the superb Yale University Art Gallery. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the gift shop - which is a decent size - has many wonderfully-irreverent items and I had a great time looking at everything. read more

A perfect size for introducing a kid to some accessible art to discuss and enjoy. The building itself is lovely and pleasant to be in, and I always find something to appreciate in whatever exhibit they have up. It is an additional bonus that it is free, but I'm sure you'll want to give a donation after your visit. Also check out the gift shop, it's well stocked with good, high-quality gift items. read more

Yale Center for British Art - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

With more than 1400 pieces of art, sculpture, prints, manuscripts, and books on display, this very extensive collection of British art - which evolved from an endowment to the University from Paul Mellon, one of its most successful graduates - is the largest outside the UK itself. Constable, Turner, Hogarth, and Gainsborough are among those represented. The stunning architctural design allows visitors to view the exhibits in as much natural light as possible. Docent tours of specific installations or the museum in general are offered on a regular basis. The building also houses a large reference library and a shop with publications, reproductions, and jewelry among its merchandise. read more

Yale Center for British Art - Art Museums Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

It would be easy to walk on by and dismiss from the street the treats that await inside and that would be a mistake. The Yale Center for British Art - made possible by the Mellon family fortune - is both an architectural landmark and treasure trove of great British artwork from the 16th century to present. There is always something new and worth checking out and even more remarkably the Yale Center for British Art remains a free admission policy at a time when comparable and lesser museums continue to jack up their entry fees. Whether it's a Turner, a Gainsborough, a Constable or Hogarth, you will be transfixed by both the portraitures and landscapes that abound on three levels of architect Louis Kahn's final commission. Give yourself an hour or more to get a true sense of the gifts this museum has on offer. read more

The BAC is Louis Kahn's final building - it was completed in 1969 and he died 5 years later. Its masterfully done interaction of steel, wood, and exposed concrete in a clean, yet complex and multilayered box is considered one of the finest buildings in his career. Yale is fortunate to be graced with one of the epicenters of modern architecture in that intersection between Chapel St. and York - within 50 feet of each other is the BAC and the Yale University Art Gallery which have the symbolic distinctions of being Kahn's first and last major works, thus bookending his career, as well as Paul Rudolph's building for the Yale Architecture School. This is my favorite building on campus, and it served as a familiar companion to my years there as a student. The building itself is worth spending an afternoon in - the surfaces - brushed steel, concrete as smooth as milk, and the wooden oak paneling - begged to be touched (out of site of the staff of course!)....the large pane glass windows are artfully place and while inobtrusive, let in an amazing amount of sunlight. The atrium is one of the most fantastic structures ever built. The art itself can border on the stuffy, if Anglophilia is not your thing (obviously I am one of the ignorant masses!) but they do have impressive examples - turners, constables, and even a couple of Whistlers (my personal favorite amonst the collection). IIRC, they also have a decent 20th century collection including a some Lucian Freud's et al, but I will defer to those more knowledgeable re: British Art to comment. My personal favorite nook and cranny is a small hallway on the second floor with the highlights of Kahn's architectural plans and drawings for the building. Also of note - Atticus Bookstore and Cafe is in the street facade of the building and has excellent soups and bread (unsold bread given away free in the evenings!). read more

I actually love this place, the building and collection are both great. It is probably the only place in American you be in a room full of Turner paintings. Still, you just can't be a "Center for British Art" without Gilbert and George. End of story. Probably Tracey Emin, Cicely Brown & Sarah Lucas need to be there as well. read more

This museum is for you if you're an Anglophile. I'm told this center holds the most British art outside Britain. The Brits really love their portraits which dominant the top floor. My favorite floor was the (Third?) floor where you see more contemporary work Lucien Freud, David Hockney, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth. read more

The Yale Center for British Art is an incredible museum. It's free, they have a broad selection of exhibits and styles, and it's the largest collection of British works outside of England. My personal preference is to wander around myself, but if you prefer guided tours of the galleries the docents and staff are knowledgeable and take great pride in their work. Between the Yale Center for British Art and the Yale Art Gallery, New Haven is fortunate to have some of the finest works of art ever created available at our fingertips. I've spent countless hours browsing the pieces here and still learn something new with each visit. read more

This place is brilliant. Utterly brilliant. It is enormous and filled top to bottom with art from the 1500's on. I came here for my birthday and spent some time wandering the lovely exhibits and drinking in the beautiful paintings, exhibits (the board game exhibit was a DELIGHT) and reading about the painters, the history of Britain, and the individual lives of the artists was just...wonderful. It's a truly immersive experience and I'm so glad I went. I highly recommend it! read more

Definitely work a stop. The George Stubbs famous lion on a stallion is here and today they had a wonderful exhibit of Lawrence portraits from Europe/Britain and the US (this show ends in early June). I especially liked the lesser known painters on the 4th floor-pictures of families you wish you could get to know-especially the women. Only 90 mins from NYC or northern NJ so an easy trip for a Sunday. On Sunday the parking on Chapel Street is free and lots of places to get lunch or coffee/tea are nearby. And it is free-there is a donation bank for the victims of the Japan earthquake (a very nice touch). read more

Here is the other gallery which I have nothing but fond memories. Again, my wildly crazy friends and I would retreat into this most proud and dignified of architectural achievements and mingle with paintings and sculptures. Once again, I must reiterate that we did not hurt a fly, nor leave a mark, but the same friend did shamelessly lean intimately toward the earlobes of busts. She loved art, what can I say. Just British work here, so lots of Gainsborough, Constable, Turner, etc. If you like equestian depictions, like racing and foxhunting, you are at the right venue. Both comprehensive and extensive, the collection is the largest outside the United Kingdom. It was presented to the university by one of its most successful and generous graduates, Paul Mellon. A lovely place to take a time-out, play hooky, and just be unproductive (assuming you are not an architecture student, which certainly never described me). read more