The Arc previously known as Winchester Discovery Centre and Library is an excellent Hampshire resource and one to put on your travel map. Why? The galleries have incredible national exhibitions and art shows that are well worth stopping by.
Over the years it has had exhibitions from famous storyteller and illustrator Raymond Briggs, Bafta winning artist Jonny Hannah and international photographer Paul Joyce.
This is a great gem to keep an eye on as there’s usually something really interesting to go and see.
Location
📍 Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8SB
Jewry Street is in central Winchester and easy walking distance from the main car parks and public transport hubs.
It is also in an excellent location for grabbing food, drink or doing a spot of shopping or one of the city’s cultural experiences.
You won’t miss the building, it’s very grand, has columns and is yellow! The centre is opposite a church, just before a cross roads and a short walk from two of the biggest car parks in the city.
Inside
The Arc, Winchester is the city’s library and arts space. It also offers gallery and exhibition spaces, a cafe, events, performance space, study spaces, access to computers and more.
It’s a very nice library space and the building is sort of round, quite light and a peaceful and calm place to spend time. It feels like a community hub and if you lived here I think it’s the sort of place you’d go to regularly. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the events the centre hosts.
It’s the gallery spaces that entice me the most, often with frequently changing national touring exhibitions visiting. I’ve had the chance to see some fantastic art from places like Tate, British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum.
The library team will also pick a selection of books based on what you like called ‘Ready Reads’. I really like this idea, and if you’re an avid reader, this would be a great way to fuel your hobby.
Days out in Winchester
You could easily combine seeing an exhibition with some of the other shorter cultural experiences in the city for a longer day out.
Within walking distance in central Winchester there is…
- Westgate Museum
- Winchester City Mill
- Six museums at the peninsula barracks, also known as Winchester’s Military Quarter
- St. Giles Hill Viewpoint
The Arc, Winchester
My top tip for The Art, Winchester is to check their website and social media for their upcoming events and exhibitions. You won’t want to miss the fantastic touring art and shows or the wide range of events they put on.
If you liked this, take a look at these other great places to explore in Hampshire…
- WINCHESTER WALKING TOURS
- THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS IN WINCHESTER
- THE A TO Z OF THINGS TO DO IN HAMPSHIRE
