Yale Center for British Art

The Yale Center for British Art is an art museum and university building in central New Haven with four floors of gallery rooms. The building features concrete walls, glass panels, and Belgian linen surfaces that allow natural light into the exhibition areas.

Paul Mellon donated his collection of British art to Yale University in 1966, prompting Louis Kahn to design a new building. The building was completed after Kahn's death in 1974 and opened to the public in 1977.

The name honors Paul Mellon's donation of British works to Yale University, now displayed throughout the exhibition rooms. Visitors often see students sitting before paintings making sketches or joining guided tours.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM with free admission. The galleries are spread over multiple floors, so visitors should expect longer walking distances and wear comfortable shoes.

The center's library holds 35,000 rare volumes and manuscripts, including complete editions from William Morris's Kelmscott Press. Many of these books date from the 18th and 19th centuries and are accessible to researchers by appointment.

Location: New Haven

Inception: 1966

Founders: Paul Mellon

Architects: Louis Kahn

Architectural style: modern architecture

Operator: Yale University

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00; Sunday 12:00-17:00

Phone: +1(203)4322800

Website: https://britishart.yale.edu

GPS coordinates: 41.30791,-72.93091

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:37