Located in a Grade I listed building in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, Bath, Somerset. The Holburne Museum is the city's first public art gallery and is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne.
The Holburne Museum, previously known as the Holburne of Menstrie Museum and the Holburne Museum of Art is a Grade I-listed building in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, Bath, Somerset. The Holburne Museum is the city's first public art gallery and 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.
The Holburne Museum's commitment to showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and events ensures that there is always something new and exciting to discover. Additionally, the museum's restoration and expansion in 2011 not only enhanced its physical space but also enabled it to continue to grow and thrive as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange.
Set in a beautiful Grade I listed building, The Holburne Museum is Bath's first public art gallery. It is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne. The heart of the present-day collection was formed by Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793-1874).
Thomas William (known as William) first pursued a naval career. He inherited the Baronetcy in 1820 following the death of his elder brother, Francis, at the Battle of Bayonne in 1814. In 1882 this collection of over 4,000 objects, pictures and books was bequeathed to the people of Bath by Holburne’s sister, Mary Anne Barbara Holburne. One of The Holburne museum's main purposes is to preserve the things that have been entrusted to their care.
The Holburne Museum not only showcases the remarkable collection of Sir William Holburne but also serves as a guardian of the history and art of Bath. Through careful preservation and curation of its collections, the museum provides a window into the past and a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the artists who created them. Whether you are a local or a visitor to the city, the Holburne Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and history.
To enhance your Holburne museum experience, enjoy a privately guided tour of the Holburne Museum with an expert guide. After your visit to the museum, visit the Garden café for a delicious coffee, a cup of tea and a wonderfully British Scone with clotted cream and jam. The café is filled with natural light and opens onto the historic Sydney Gardens.
Beyond the museum, the city of Bath has much to offer. You can spend a day exploring the city's many attractions, including the Roman Baths, the Bath Abbey, the Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent. Bath is also renowned for its shopping, dining, and spa experiences, so you can indulge in some retail therapy or pampering after your museum visit.
Overall, visiting the Holburne Museum, enjoying a guided tour, and savouring a cup of tea and scone in the Garden café can be a delightful way to spend a day in Bath. It is a perfect blend of art, history, and culture, and a quintessential British experience that you won't want to miss.