Wells Art Contemporary 2026

Wells Art Contemporary returns to Wells Cathedral from 10 October to 7 November 2026, bringing contemporary work by artists from the UK and overseas into one of the country’s most remarkable historic settings.

The annual exhibition features 100 selected artworks alongside site-specific installations in and around the Cathedral. Works are displayed in the Cloisters as well as within the wider Cathedral, creating an unusual meeting of contemporary art and medieval architecture.

The 2026 exhibition takes the theme ‘For what is time?’, inspired by St Augustine, and also includes community art projects alongside the main exhibition.

Wells Art Contemporary has been running since 2012 and attracts artists and visitors from well beyond Somerset. It is a particularly good reason to explore Wells Cathedral during an autumn visit to the city.

The exhibition runs until Saturday 7 November. As Wells Cathedral remains a working place of worship, access to individual areas can occasionally be restricted for services and other events, so visitors travelling specifically for the exhibition should check the latest Cathedral information before setting out.

normal exhibition hours as Monday–Saturday 9am–4.30pm and Sunday 11am–3pm