This visually stunning exhibition shows how artistic creativity existed thousands of years before traditional art histories suggest – as an essential part of human life.

Ice Age Art Now presents work by people living in Europe at the end of the last Ice Age, some as much as 24,000 years old. These astounding works reveal the deep roots of drawing, sculpture, realism, abstraction, signs, symbols and more – and the extraordinary skill and imagination of these early image makers find echoes in modern and contemporary art.

This family-friendly exhibition features a wealth of rare items from the British Museum and local treasures from the collections of Bradford District Museums & Galleries, arranged into such themes as decorating the body, drawing animals and abstracting the female form. The exhibition also features an installation reimagining cave art and other imagery from thousands of years ago for the 21st century.

The exhibition will be supplemented with a programme of talks, family activities and other special events.

During peak times like weekends and holidays, the Ice Age Art Now exhibition may be busy. During these times you may need to wait a little while before you can explore the exhibition.

If you’re waiting, please do explore the rest of Cliffe Castle Museum’s exhibitions, take a break in the cafe, or explore Cliffe Castle Park.