The Holburne Museum (formerly known as the Holburne of Menstrie Museum and the Holburne Museum of Art) is located in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, Bath, Somerset, England. The city's first public art gallery, 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. There is a bookshop and a café that opens out onto Sydney Gardens. The museum reopened in May 2011 after restoration and an extension designed by Eric Parry Architects, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Paul Nicholson | Feb 1, 2018
This is a Bath gem at the head of the famous Pulteney St. It has an interesting collection of paintings - a number of originals from North of the Border. It has had a New controversial (at the time) extension on the back which houses the Coffee shop and special exhibitions above. It’s not cheap to go in (no charge for the coffee shop) and the food is a bit expensive but a lovely place to enjoy a cuppa and a walk in the adjacent park (Sydney Gardens).
David Wendy | Nov 28, 2017
Perfect location at the head of an avenue of Bath Stone houses. We had a lovely lunch in the airy, sunny restaurant. Staff very professional. Galleries very enjoyable for the variety of work. Loved the Dutch scenes especially. Not too bothered about past lord and lady portraits. Spacious interior. Surprised to learn it was originally built as an hotel. Go.
Rebecca Lakin | Feb 16, 2018
Great little place to spend a couple of hours. Nice collection of 17th-19th century works of art, including paintings, carvings, miniatures and jewellery. There is also a beautiful garden, gift shop and cafe.
Technogeoff | Oct 29, 2017
My favourite small gallery. Housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Permanent collection is a must for lovers of Gainsborough and contemporaries. Currently showing a splendid exhibition in the modern extension to the rear, excellent. Cafe is worth a trip on its own, being in a modern glass extension where you are surrounded by the gardens. Great place
William Bloor | Dec 30, 2017
A grand building carefully converted into a series of beautifully curated rooms, each combining grand paintings with equally stunning pieces of craft furniture and pottery. Worth a visit during your stay in Bath.
Nettie Pollard | Mar 14, 2018
Nice museum with lots of interesting things to look at and very welcoming. Free to all. Good things in the gift shop.
Lorna Hopkinson | Apr 7, 2018
Visited this after seeing it on Flog It. Great little museum. Such a pleasure to see all the paintings. Will definitely visit again as soon much to take in.
Fausta Sorvillo | Apr 4, 2018
They organise a lot of free activity for children during the half term. The museum is inside a very nice park and there is a little very nice cafe
Roger Banister | Apr 14, 2018
Someone has built a hideous green structure on the back of a grade1 listed building..its an odd combination of a water tank and branch of john lewis. Doubtless the great and good apppointed one of their kind at great expense...to create this hideous monstrous nonsense...an spoil a delightful butter coloured grand geogian house...
James Bliss | May 7, 2018
I didn't go in the museum... I simply used the cafe which is well worth visiting if you are passing by... It is situated with views towards Sydney gardens... And if the weather is nice has a lovely outdoor seating area ajoining the gardens. The food is very very good cafe food... The Quiche that I had today was one of the very best ever. I must also pay homage to the staff here... They were worked off their feet (It was very busy being the bank holiday).. But provided service with a smile in a highly efficient manner. I hope this is recognised by the management who need to know what a credit they are to the cafe.
Rebecca Hughes | May 26, 2018
Stunning array of art and historical artefacts. Grounds are superb. Highly recommended.
Sarah Bailey | Jul 26, 2018
Lovely gallery with an interesting and well thought out permanent display. Good changing exhibitions. Excellent decently priced cafe overlooking Sydney Gardens. Good spot for a quiet lunch in Bath.
Caspar Helmer | Jul 4, 2018
Beautiful museum in fantastic setting within walking distance from centre of town. The Dutch masters exhibition was very nice.
Fiona Redmond | Jul 14, 2018
A stunning museum on a human scale, finely curated exhibitions, a gorgeous setting by Sydney Gardens, very good cafe attached.
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway