Museums and Galleries in Bath

Housed in some of the city’s finest buildings, Bath's museums and galleries tell a wealth of remarkable stories, and exhibit stunning artworks from across the world.

Take a journey through Bath's rich history, from Roman settlement to the Georgian era, with a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world and an elegantly restored Georgian townhouse.

Glimpse into the worlds of some of Bath’s most famous residents at award-winning museums dedicated to their lives. Visit The Jane Austen Centre, where you can explore how the city impacted the acclaimed novelist and the writing process of her much-loved books. Enter Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein if you dare, and learn about the infamous horror author’s complex past, as well as uncovering the true story behind the world’s favourite monster. Or, head to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, based in the former home of William Herschel and his younger sister Caroline, which tells the fascinating story of the talented astronomers and musicians.

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

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

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, which feature fascinating collections by Gainsborough, Zoffany and more, supplemented by a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Just a short walk away across Pulteney Bridge, the majestic Holburne Museum houses a collection of fine and decorative art, as well as continually-changing temporary exhibitions, allowing even regular visitors to discover something new.

Many of Bath's museums and galleries offer diverse event programmes throughout the year, so why not try your hand at a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition, immerse yourself in a concert, or join an informative talk or lecture?

If you're in the market for some modern art, there are multiple galleries around the city displaying 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 download using the Soundcloud app, available on Google Play or the App Store.

Visit West · Visit Bath - World Heritage Site Audio Tour

Download the World Heritage Site Audio Tour Map

Become a culture vulture

Cultural attractions

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

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

Go back in time at Bath's marvellous museums

Here's our guide to Bath's marvellous museums, which offer a wealth of remarkable stories and bring the city’s history to life.