Pier Arts Centre

The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness houses a remarkable collection of 20th Century British art. The collection charts the development of modern art in Britain and includes key works by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Naum Gabo among others.

The Centre's founder, Margaret Gardiner (1904 -2005), was a close friend of many of the artists represented in the Pier Gallery Collection and her decision to give a large part of her personal collection to the people of Orkney led to the opening of the Centre in 1979.

The Gallery also presents a changing programme of local, national and international exhibitions and events. The Collection and temporary exhibitions are housed in two stylishly converted buildings that lie at the heart of a conservation area, which recognises Stromness' unique townscape. Together all these factors provide a pleasurable and entertaining experience for the visitor to the Pier Arts Centre.