Museums and Galleries

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, 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.  Learn about the city’s role in the development of the modern postal system or walk through a complete reconstruction of a soft drinks factory showcasing Victorian engineering.

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.  

The Victoria Art Gallery and the Holburne Museum offer free entry to their permanent exhibitions. Both are housed in beautiful historic buildings where you can observe fascinating collections by Gainsborough, Turner, Zoffany and more, supplemented by a series of temporary exhibitions running throughout the year.

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.

For a free guide to the history behind Bath’s museums, download our World Heritage Site Audio Tour, which can be played on a smartphone or MP3 player. 

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