The Spanish Gallery, Bishop Auckland: A Window into Golden Age Spain

The Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland is the UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art, history, and culture of Spain. Opened in 2021 as part of The Auckland Project, it showcases an outstanding collection of Spanish masterpieces, including works by renowned artists such as El Greco, Zurbarán, Velázquez, and Murillo. The gallery’s design evokes the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish casa and includes a recreation of a typical Golden Age chapel, immersing visitors in Spain’s artistic and religious heritage. Alongside its permanent collection, the gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programmes, and cultural events that highlight the deep connections between Bishop Auckland and Spanish art, particularly through the famous Zurbarán paintings housed in nearby Auckland Castle.