Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery is the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery: it was founded in 1811 when Sir Francis Bourgeois RA bequeathed his collection of old masters “for the inspection of the public”.

Today the Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub hosting some of the UK’s leading exhibitions alongside its Permanent Collection of Baroque masterpieces while staging a wide-ranging programme of public events, practical art and community engagement.

Learning

The Gallery’s education programme promotes the understanding, debate and enthusiasm of art, crossing the boundaries of age, social and educational background, as well as ability: we aim to make the Collection, exhibitions and art accessible to all.

Primary

Introduce your pupils to the inspiring world of paintings. Spark young children’s imaginations and curiosity with interactive sessions that introduce the visual language of the Old Masters and link to key learning goals in the classroom. We also welcome schools with Special Educational Needs.

Join our storyteller in the Gallery and listen as she brings the paintings to life. Storytelling sessions in the Chapel are also available by request.

Secondary

Bring your secondary school group for an expert session in the Gallery or Art Studio. Working with professional artists and experienced teachers, students have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of visual art or use art as a springboard to investigate other subject areas such as RE in a session tailored to their needs.

Tours: Choose a theme by genre or link to a specific area of coursework. Students are welcome to sketch from the collection using their own sketchbooks and pencils, or materials can be provided.

All sessions are free of charge. Programmes can be adapted for SEN groups.