About Us
Dulwich Picture Gallery is England’s first public art gallery:
it was founded in 1811 when Sir Francis Bourgeois RA bequeathed his collection of old
masters “for the inspection of the public”. To find out more please
visit our History page.
The Gallery’s mission is to encourage the enjoyment of
the visual arts.
To achieve this all the Gallery aims to:
• Protect and conserve both the collection and
Sir John Soane’s famous building, while
maintaining the special character of the site as a
whole
• Promote the best in the visual arts,
particularly through display and temporary exhibitions
• Reach and serve as wide a public as possible
by raising the profile of the Gallery and making its activities
accessible, welcoming and enjoyable
for everyone
• Communicate an understanding and appreciation
of the visual arts through scholarship, interpretation and
education
programmes aimed at people of all ages and
abilities