Exhibitions in Bath

Bath is home to an array of fascinating museums and galleries, which tell the story of the city and its impressive former residents through fascinating permanent exhibitions, displays and collections.

Many also host regularly changing programmes of exciting temporary exhibitions and installations, often courtesy of big names in the arts and culture world - use this page to see whose work you can expect to enjoy in and around the city in the coming months!

Permanent Exhibitions

The first ever house to be built on the iconic Royal Crescent, No.1 Royal Crescent, is a time capsule furnished in the style of the Georgian era during which it was built. You'll find interactive displays, plus many original artefacts and paintings, and a special Jane Austen self-guided tour once a month.

The majestic Holburne Museum is home to its namesake Sir William Holburne's expansive collection of fine and decorative art, which includes several portraits by Thomas Gainsborough. As well as exquisite paintings, you'll also discover ceramics, furniture, and spectacular Renaissance silverware in the (quite literally shiny) new Schroder Gallery.

Bedazzled by astronomy? The Herschel Museum explores the lives of astronomers and musicians William and Caroline Herschel, within the very same house they lived in at the time they discovered the planet Uranus in 1781.

Visit Victoria Art Gallery for their permanent collection of classic artworks, including those from Thomas Gainsborough, Henry Herbert La Thangue, Walter Sickert, and Grayson Perry, among many others.

The unique Museum of East Asian Art is Britain's only museum solely dedicated to the arts and cultures of East and South East Asia. A rich programme of special events, including Japanese tea rituals, help deliver the museum’s aim to encourage greater understanding of the region's arts and cultures.

One of Bath's best-kept secrets is Fairfield House, tucked away in the western suburb of Newbridge. The secluded villa may seem unassuming from the outside, but was once the temporary home of Ethiopian Emperor H.I.M Haile Selassie I during his years in exile from 1936-1941. Today, the house has been made into a small museum dedicated to Selassie's life and legacy, cared for by the local Ethiopian and Rastafari community. You can visit for guided tours most Sundays throughout the year, with the option of a delicious Caribbean lunch following your tour.

For something completely different and off the beaten path, head to Beckford’s Tower in Lansdown. Just a few minutes’ bus ride from the city centre, this gold-tipped tower features a stunning pink 127-step staircase, plus an exhibition exploring William Beckford’s life, legacy, and links to slavery. The views from the Belvedere at the top of the tower make it well worth the climb!

On the opposite side of the city centre is the American Museum & Gardens, nestled on the edge of the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley in a former Georgian country house. Founded in 1961 by American art collector Dallas Pratt and English antiques dealer John Judkyn, the museum houses a collection of decorative arts and artefacts from throughout the history of the United States.

Temporary Exhibitions

Alongside their permanent collections, Victoria Art Gallery and The Holburne Museum also host a regularly changing programme of temporary exhibitions from some of the world's most impressive artists, past and present.

In recent years, the Victoria Art Gallery has hosted temporary exhibitions showcasing the work of artists including Toulouse-Lautrec, Lucian Freud, Frank Auerbach, and Bridget Riley, while The Holburne Museum has hosted works from Zandra Rhodes, Glenn Brown, Henri Matisse, J.M.W. Turner, Gwen John, and Mr Doodle.

One of the other highlights of Bath's cultural calendar is the annual Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery, which showcases the work of talented local artists across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any free exhibitions in Bath? Yes. Victoria Art Gallery's permanent exhibition is completely free to visit - simply head up the staircase to the left of the main entrance to the Upper Gallery, and start browsing! The Holburne Museum also allows visitors to explore their permanent collection from 3-5pm every Wednesday.

Are there any discounted exhibitions in Bath? Yes, most of Bath's museums and galleries offer concessionary tickets for students, seniors, and groups. However, we recommend checking each venue's concessions policy before booking. Some of Bath's museum and galleries also offer free or discounted entry to Art Pass holders - check the Art Fund website to view the full list.

Are there any accessible exhibitions in Bath? Yes. Most of the city's galleries and museums are accessible to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. However, due to the age and listed status of some buildings in Bath, not all areas are wheelchair accessible at some venues.

Many of Bath's galleries and museums also cater for neurodivergent visitors with relaxed hours and resources such as sensory maps, social stories, and noise-cancelling headphones, among many others. We recommend checking the individual website for each venue you plan to visit in Bath in advance, to discover what they can offer visitors with access needs.

What exhibitions are on in Bath this week? You're in the right place to find out! Keep scrolling to browse through the list of current and upcoming temporary exhibitions at venues across Bath.

What kind of exhibitions are there in Bath? Exhibitions in the city mostly showcase visual art and historical artefacts, but also occassionally revolve around one-off installations.