There is something so captivating and inspiring about visiting galleries and museums - learning about a time in history, seeing an ancient artefact or considering the message behind a painting. However, whilst so many of us enjoy visiting these places - we often overlook the ones located right on our doorsteps. Here's some of our favourite museums and galleries located in Somerset.
Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DB
The Holburne Museum is found in Sydney Pleasure Gardens. It is the city's first public art gallery and the Grade I listed building is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne. Artists in the collection include Gainsborough, Guardi, Stubbs, Ramsay and Zoffany.
The museum also provides a programme of temporary exhibitions, music performances, creative workshops, family events, talks and lectures, and is complete with a cafe for the perfect mid-view break.
Castle Lodge, Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AAx
Housed in Taunton's historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county's fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present.
Within the 12th century castle walls you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities, all situated within the vibrant town centre. With an amazing nine themed galleries, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Durslade Farm, Dropping Ln, Bruton BA10 0NL
Hauser & Wirth Somerset, found in trendy Bruton, is a world-class gallery and multi-purpose arts centre, which acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset supports an immersive artist-in-residence programme, encouraging artists to benefit from the idyllic surroundings and to integrate with the local community.
On-site restaurant, Roth Bar & Grill, serves seasonal, locally sourced produce, and is replete with works of art including a site-specific bar created by Björn and Oddur Roth, the son and grandson of artist Dieter Roth.
Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT
The Victoria Art Gallery is the public art museum in Bath. It is run by Bath & North East Somerset Council and houses its collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.
It is home to a richly diverse collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Included in the many items in its care are an original Tudor portrait of Henry VIII in the style of Holbein and works by Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Barker, Gillian Ayres, Walter Sickert, Paul Klee and Grayson Perry.
Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH
Housed in the magnificent Assembly Rooms, the Fashion Museum Bath holds a world-class collection of contemporary and historic dress, from Georgian gowns to cutting-edge fashion from leading designers.
Originally opened as 'The Costume Museum' on 23 May 1963. The Museum was founded by Doris Langley Moore, a designer, collector, writer and scholar, who gave her famous private collection of costume to the city of Bath.
Their current exhibitions include: 'A History of Fashion in 100 Objects', 'Dress of the Year 2020' and 'Shoephoria!'.
The Grand Pier, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1AL
Weston-super-Mare’s ‘Museum of Memories’, located at the iconic Grand Pier, features thousands of items to transport visitors back to their childhood on a trail of discovery. With a selection of vintage toys, sweets, breakfast cereals, memorable television programmes, seaside trips and more, it is the perfect addition to a nostalgic trip to the seaside.
RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester BA22 8HT
The Fleet Air Arm Museum represents the history of the Royal Navy In the Air. With four exhibition halls, over ninety aircraft and over 2 million records and 30 thousand artefacts the Museum is Europe's largest naval aviation Museum.
In addition it houses the first British Concorde which you can go on board, view the cockpit and visit the award winning Aircraft Carrier Experience.
Sparkford, Yeovil BA22 7LH
The Haynes International Motor Museum is dedicated to maintaining a Museum for the public display of a collection of cars and all additions thereto for the purpose of promoting public education, appreciation and knowledge in the historical development and evolution of the motor car and other motor vehicles and their attendant parts, designs and technology.
It is home to the UK's biggest exhibition of cars and motorbikes dating from 1900 to today, along with a play area for children and 'Cafe 750', which serves local produce, freshly cooked, and served in the wonderful setting.
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