Become a Golden Thread Gallery Explorer! Thanks to funding from the Halifax Foundation NI, we’ve got a really special welcome for all junior visitors to the Gallery. Every child under 16 can get a free Gallery Explorer backpack when they visit!

The packs include art materials like coloured pencils and a sketchpad, colouring-in sheets, stickers, worksheets to learn about art including our exhibitions, copies of our Junior Gallery Newsletter and colourful objects designed to spark the imagination!

For younger visitors with autism or sensory needs, we have specially tailored Explorer Packs which include the new GTG Social Story and sensory toys. We also have Ear Defenders available to borrow from Reception for the duration of your visit, and can advise about sound and lights in all the exhibitions to help you plan and feel comfortable.

We are proud to be free of charge and want to share our love of visual art with everyone! Thanks to the generous support of the Halifax Foundation NI, we hope to inspire the next generation of artistic adventurers in Northern Ireland. Please just ask at Reception to get your free pack when you arrive!


Download our new GTG Social Story here