Exhibitions

Gallery Oldham has three large exhibition spaces plus a community gallery, Gallery 4.

We take an innovative and unique approach to exhibition programming, bringing together what were once separate museum and gallery services.

Our programming incorporates Oldham’s extensive art, social and natural history collections alongside touring work, newly commissioned and contemporary art, international art and work produced with local communities.

In addition we have permanent displays around the building.

Current Exhibitions

Gallery 1 – Oldham Stories

Oldham Stories features selected objects from our extensive collections to tell and show the stories of Oldham and its local and natural communities.

From mountain hare and moorhens to banners and artwork, every object has a fascinating tale to tell. Our Collector’s Case features an array of caps, shirts and memorabilia from Oldham Rugby Football League.

The display also highlights local figures such as campaigner Marjory Lees and the popular artist Helen Bradley, as well as Sir Winston Churchill who started his political career right here in Oldham.

If you want to know more about Oldham’s unique range of wildlife habitats, you’ll find it here.

Gallery 2 – New Life in an Old Building

15 March – 31 May

Preparations continue to celebrate the reopening of Oldham’s much-loved Old Library later in 2025. This exhibition gives an insight into the work that has been carried out to restore the building to its former glory.

The displays feature a series of specially commissioned images by photographer Ingrid Turner capturing the stories of those who have contributed to this restoration work.

Wednesday 23 April, 2pm

Join our curator for an exhibition tour. This event is free and you do not need to book.

Image by Ingrid Turner

Gallery 3 – The Lights

25 January – 26 April

Over the last ten years, Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool has developed a special interest in artists who use light as a material within their work. In addition to an annual light themed exhibition each autumn, Grundy has also been adding light based art works to its collection.

We are pleased to present a selection of works from Grundy’s collection here in Oldham for the first time. The exhibition will include work by artists Martin Creed, Noel Clueit, Tracey Emin, Tony Heaton, and Mark Titchner. The Lights takes its title from the shorthand for how the Blackpool Illuminations are referred to locally.

Wednesday 12 February, 2pm

Paulette Brien, Curator of Grundy Art Gallery, will introduce Blackpool’s collection of contemporary light art. This event is free and you do not need to book.

Coming Soon

Pick and Mix, 10 May – 18 October

Our latest Family Friendly exhibition is created by and for children and families of all ages. Inspired by visual elements including line, shape, colour and form this exhibition showcases the work of local children and teenagers inspired by famous artists such as Bridget Riley and Lubaina Himid.

Bird Photographer of the Year, 14 June – 6 September

This stunning exhibition showcases the work of photographers capturing the beauty and diversity of birdlife. Winning images have been chosen from thousands of entries in eight categories including Bird Portraits, Birds in Flight and Urban Birds. Whatever your interest in either photography or birds there will be something to amaze or inspire you in this thought-provoking exhibition.

Indian Perspectives by Tony Philips and Jasmir Creed, 27 September – 3 January 2026

Indian Perspectives examines the legacies of British colonial rule of India and the experiences of people of Indian heritage living in Britain. It features more than 100 drawings and paintings.

Liverpool-born artist Tony Phillips uses his characteristic socially engaged drawings to look at the impact British colonial rule had on India and its people. He explores the cross-fertilisation of cultures ensuing from post-Independence Indian migration to Britain. Meanwhile, Jasmir Creed’s oil paintings draw on her Anglo-Indian heritage to create large colourful paintings reflecting on issues around identity.