Museums and Galleries in Bath

Housed in some of the city’s finest buildings, the museums of Bath offer a wealth of remarkable stories.

Take a journey through the city’s history, from Roman settlement through to the Georgian era and on to the modern-day with a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, an elegantly restored Georgian townhouse and a collection of fashion throughout the ages.

Glimpse into the life of some of Bath’s most famous residents including Jane Austen, the author of Pride and Prejudice, with a visit to the Jane Austen Centre to explore how the city of Bath impacted upon Jane’s life and writing in her much-loved books. Enter if you dare Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, to learn about the infamous horror author’s complex and often tragic past, and uncover the true story behind the world’s favourite monster. Learn how Bath also played home to astronomer and composer William Herschel, and novelist William Thomas Beckford.

Discover Bath’s links to science and innovation, from the construction of Georgian townhouses to the discovery of a new planet and the medicinal use of the city’s thermal waters.

For unexpected history, visit the largest collection of Americana outside of the United States, take a tour around a Masonic Hall and have a look at eclectic exhibitions on show at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.

For something more unusual, pay a visit to The Museum of East Asian Art to admire their fine collection of artefacts from China, Japan, Korea and South East Asia.

Victoria Art Gallery offers free entry to their permanent exhibitions. Housed in a beautiful historic building, you can observe fascinating collections by Gainsborough, Zoffany and more, supplemented by a series of temporary exhibitions running throughout the year. The majestic Holburne Museum is home to a collection of fine and decorative art, and its continually-changing temporary exhibitions mean even if you’re a regular visitor you can discover something new.

Many of the museums and galleries offer diverse event programmes throughout the year so try your hand at a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition, immerse yourself in a concert or join an informative talk or lecture.

If you are keen to buy modern art, there are also multiple galleries around the city exhibiting pieces available to purchase.

For a free guide to the history behind Bath’s museums, listen to our World Heritage Site Audio Tour below or dowload onto the Soundcloud App on Google Play or Apple ios.

Visit West · Visit Bath - World Heritage Site Audio Tour

Download the World Heritage Site Audio Tour Map

Become a culture vulture

Cultural Attractions in Bath

Bath is a city full to the brim with cultural attractions, from historical sites and museums, to theatre and performance venues, to unique art galleries.
Exhibitions in Bath

Bath is home to an array of fascinating museums, offering a regularly changing programme of exhibitions. Get a culture fix, discover a new artist, or revisit classics at museums and galleries across the city.
History and Heritage

Bath is steeped in history. As well as being a vibrant and thriving twenty-first-century city, Bath is a living museum. History and heritage line the city’s streets.

Discover the city's history

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