About the Collection

The Women’s Art Collection is Europe’s largest collection of art by women. It includes 600 works by leading artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Paula Rego, Lubaina Himid, Faith Ringgold, Tracey Emin and Cindy Sherman.

Founded in the early 1990s, the Collection challenges the underrepresentation of women artists in museums and galleries. The Collection is displayed throughout Murray Edwards College, an iconic Brutalist building designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon as a manifesto for women’s education. Works of art are hung in public rooms and student corridors and sculptures are part of the College’s famous natural gardens. In 2018, the Collection was granted Museum Accreditation by Arts Council England.

Today, we continue to celebrate and support women artists, giving them visibility and a voice. We stage two exhibitions a year, alongside a dynamic programme of events including talks, tours, workshops, screenings and performances.

The Collection is open to the public daily from 10am–6pm and is free to visit.

Find out more by watching this newly commissioned film that covers the extraordinary architecture of Murray Edwards College and the unique history of The Women’s Art Collection.