Your Complete Guide to Sheffield Museums Exhibitions and Events - February 2026

February in Sheffield is looking like a brilliant month for anyone wanting to soak up a bit of culture, with the city’s museums rolling out a fantastic line-up of new exhibitions and events. Whether it's mind-bending paintings, getting hands-on with some craft, or just finding something fun to do with the kids, there's a lot going on. From the Millennium Gallery to Weston Park Museum, there are plenty of stories being told through fascinating objects and stunning art. Best of all, every museum is free to enter, though as a charity, they always appreciate donations to keep things running.

What's new in the galleries

There are some seriously interesting exhibitions opening their doors this month. Over at the Millennium Gallery, the ArtWorks Together International 2026 festival is on until 31st May. This is a brilliant showcase of artworks from 70 artists across 21 countries who have a learning disability, are autistic, or both. It’s a powerful exhibition that challenges old ideas about whose voices get heard in the art world, featuring everything from paintings and photography to sculpture. These artists bring their unique perspectives to some big social and political topics, as well as celebrating the simple joy of colour and nature.

Meanwhile, the Graves Gallery is welcoming the first solo exhibition of acclaimed Sheffield-based artist Ryan Mosley. Running from 26th February to 4th July, When the Day is Done features 20 new paintings that blend reality with fiction. His work is all about character and storytelling, making the ordinary feel a bit magical. It’s a look at the human need to connect with each other and the landscape around us. It's a full-circle moment for the artist, as Mosley was first inspired by a visit to the Graves Gallery as a teenager. A special limited-edition print will be available at the gallery to support the charity and its work in the community.

Also opening at the Graves Gallery on 26th February is Revolution, Revelation, Reinforcement: Queer Legacies in Sheffield’s Art Collection. This year-long exhibition delves into the city’s collection to explore LGBTQ+ art and heritage. It’s structured around three key themes. Revolution looks at the historical constraints on Queer expression. Revelation uncovers the coded messages hidden in plain sight within art. And Reinforcement shows how the foundations of Queer art continue to be strengthened today. The exhibition, curated by Jon Sleigh, features historic and contemporary artworks and objects, and even includes a new wallpaper designed by Sheffield artist Lisa O’Hara, inspired by workshops with the local LGBTQ+ community. It's a deep dive into important queer legacies.

Over at the Weston Park Museum, Gathering Landscapes: 150 Years of Collecting is running until 1st November. Curated by the Heavy Water Collective (a group of talented artists), this exhibition brings together over 400 objects from the city's collections. It explores the weird and wonderful connections people have made with the land, from the beautiful to the slightly macabre. It questions our relationship with nature, looking at how a once-sacred landscape is now often seen as just a resource. It’s a playful and surprising collection of art and artefacts that asks visitors to think differently about the world.

Get stuck in with workshops and talks

If looking at all that creative work makes people want to make something themselves, there are plenty of opportunities. For anyone interested in jewellery craft, there’s an Evening Workshop: Charm Necklaces at the Millennium Gallery on Thursday, 19th February. Artist Georgia Osborn will guide attendees through the basics, using a selection of beads and repurposed materials to create a unique piece.

There’s also a great series of lunchtime talks for those who fancy learning something new.

• Queer Sheffield Part 2: On Tuesday, 24th February at Weston Park Museum, Fiona Moorcroft from SAYiT returns to share more stories of the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history, from the late 1800s to the 1990s.

• A Short Story of Scissors: At Kelham Island Museum on Wednesday, 25th February, there's a chance to learn about the history and manufacture of a cutlery icon still made in Sheffield today, with a chance to handle items from the Hawley Tool Collection.

• Sheffield Blitz: Historian Janet Ridler will be at Kelham Island Museum on Thursday, 26th February, to tell the story of how the Blitz changed the city forever.

For those who enjoy a deeper conversation, Sharing the View: Philosophy in the Gallery takes place at the Graves Gallery on Friday, 27th February. It’s an informal chat about the big ideas that emerge when people look at art together, using philosophy to explore the gallery’s collection. No experience is needed, just an open mind.

Finally, there are two fantastic events at Weston Park Museum on Saturday, 28th February, focused on accessibility and language. The Discover British Sign Language Tour is a great introduction for hearing people to learn some BSL vocabulary related to art and the exhibition. This is followed by a full British Sign Language Tour of the Gathering Landscapes exhibition, delivered entirely in BSL by a Deaf facilitator. It's a brilliant way to ensure the museum is open to the entire community.

Fun for all the family (even the little ones)

There's no shortage of family fun on offer, especially during the half-term week. On Tuesday, 17th February, Weston Park Museum hosts Collecting Creative Creations, where kids can make their own mini museum inspired by the gallery’s objects. On Wednesday, 18th February, families can head to the Millennium Gallery for Making Clouds, a collaborative drawing and collage activity. Then on Thursday, 19th February, budding scientists can join experts from Sheffield Hallam University at Kelham Island Museum for States of Matter to investigate some amazing chemical reactions.

The Lunar New Year gets a big celebration too. On Friday, 20th February, there's a family craft activity at Weston Park Museum, followed by a spectacular lion dance parade through the museum. And on Saturday, 28th February, Re-Water CIC is hosting a Year of the Horse party at the Millennium Gallery, with a pop-up market, Hong Kong snacks, and traditional music.

For the youngest visitors, Fridays Under 5s runs every term-time Friday at Weston Park Museum, with messy and sensory play. And on Tuesday, 24th February, the Baby Friendly Art Club at the Millennium Gallery offers a relaxed setting for parents and carers with babies under 12 months to develop their artistic skills.

A quick reminder on opening times

It's always a good idea to check times before heading out. Here’s a quick summary, but remember some places have temporary changes.

• Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet: Closed for the season until Spring 2026, except for special events.

• Graves Gallery: Closed until 26th February for a redisplay. After that, open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am–4pm.

• Kelham Island Museum: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm, and Sunday, 11am-4pm.

• Millennium Gallery: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 11am-4pm.

• Shepherd Wheel Workshop: Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am–3pm.

• Weston Park Museum: Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm, and Sunday, 11am–4pm.