What to do and see in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom: The Best Art Museums

Situated at the heart of Queen's University on the first floor of the iconic Lanyon Building, the Naughton Gallery is one of Belfast's most exciting visual arts spaces. Presenting a rolling programme of contemporary exhibitions, the gallery shows work by a range of local and internationally-renowned artists. The gallery also runs an extensive programme of talks, screenings, and special events. With free admission and open six days per week, the Naughton Gallery welcomes visitors from around the world, and has been recognised as one of the leading university galleries in the UK and Ireland, winning the Times Higher Education Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts in 2008.

Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present, the museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences with impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones. From Ireland to the South Pacific, ancient relics to modern masterpieces, the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone from the simply curious to the enthusiast.

Explore thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops as you experience life from over 100 years ago. Chat to costumed visitor guides as they demonstrate traditional crafts and meet farm animals in the beautiful parkland of the Ulster Folk Museum.

Built in 1905, this historic building opened its doors to the public in 1906 as the Carnegie Free Library following financial assistance from the American millionaire and philanthropist Mr Andrew Carnegie. The building is now home to Larne Museum & Arts Centre. The main gallery hosts permanent displays reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area. The temporary gallery plays host to a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These can include in-house or touring exhibitions and exhibitions by local groups and individuals. The building is also home to Larne Drama Circle and Larne Art Club. A number of events are held throughout the year which can include family fun days, education programmes, musical evenings, storytelling, murder mysteries, art workshops and more.

R Space is a visual arts and crafts space, presenting and commissioning a programme of exhibitions and arts activity based in The Linen Rooms in the heart of the City of Lisburn, Northern Ireland. We are a charitable organisation registered with the NI Charity Commission and run free exhibitions, classes and workshops throughout the year. R Space’s ambition is to increase access, understanding and enjoyment of contemporary visual arts, crafts, design and other related arts activities. It collaborates with a diverse range of excellent and challenging artists and designers working in different media, providing audiences from a wide range of educational, social and cultural backgrounds with different points of access to the arts. R Space is a lively and welcoming environment that excites visitors into thinking and talking about the arts and provides an opportunity to purchase visual arts and craft and for their own homes and collections.