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Hastings Museum and Art Gallery and its collection

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
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The Hastings Museum Art Gallery is a significant cultural institution in Hastings, East Sussex, England. Established in 1892, the museum moved to its current location in 1927. It houses an extensive collection of around 97,000 objects that span local history, natural sciences, fine and decorative arts, and world cultures. This diverse collection offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the rich history and culture of the region.

Collections at Hastings Museum Art Gallery

The collections at the Hastings Museum Art Gallery are diverse and engaging. They include a local history gallery that traces the history of the area from prehistory to the Saxons. The museum also features a wildlife gallery with dioramas of local habitats, a dinosaur gallery, and a Native North American collection. Additionally, the museum highlights the life of Hastings-born conservationist Archibald Belaney, who adopted the name Grey Owl.

The Durbar Hall at Hastings Museum Art Gallery

A significant feature of the Hastings Museum Art Gallery is the Durbar Hall. This hall was part of an Indian palace built for the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886. It was donated to the museum in 1919 and has since become a central part of the museum's offerings. The Durbar Hall is used for various events, including talks, theatre performances, and weddings. Additionally, it houses one of the museum's world cultures galleries, further enriching the museum's diverse collection.

Historical Collections at Hastings Museum Art Gallery

The collections at the Hastings Museum Art Gallery have been built up since 1890 and offer a comprehensive look at the region's history and culture. The museum's community history collections contain local and social history objects from Hastings and the surrounding areas. These collections include artefacts related to tourism, fishing, boat building, smuggling, local industries such as ironworking, gypsum and gunpowder manufacturing, and domestic life. The museum also houses objects related to local theatre and entertainment, education, law and order, firefighting, transport, and the First and Second World Wars.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Art & Design Art & Design Archaeology Ethnology Historic house Industrial heritage Religion War

#170 Free museums in England #129 Archaeology museums in England #35 Ethnology museums in England #177 Industrial & heritage museums in England #73 Religion museums in England #108 War museums in England #168 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #46 Ethnology museums in United Kingdom #92 Religion museums in United Kingdom #142 War museums in United Kingdom

#170 Free museums in England #129 Archaeology museums in England #35 Ethnology museums in England #177 Industrial & heritage museums in England #73 Religion museums in England #108 War museums in England #168 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #46 Ethnology museums in United Kingdom #92 Religion museums in United Kingdom #142 War museums in United Kingdom

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Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
Johns Place
Bohemia Road
TN34 1ET Hastings

Images of Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

Visitor information Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
11:00 – 16:30
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Admission

0+Free
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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop

Location & Map

Johns Place, Hastings

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Exhibitions

More exhibitions

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery Reviews

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Hastings Museum and Art Gallery offers visitors a diverse collection that showcases the rich history and culture of Hastings and the surrounding area. Located in a Victorian building, the museum houses exhibits ranging from local archaeology and natural history to fine art and decorative objects.

    Visitors often appreciate the museum's coverage of Hastings' history, including its fishing industry and the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings. The John Logie Baird collection, dedicated to the television pioneer who lived in Hastings, is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Many reviewers also enjoy the museum's art collection, which includes works by notable local artists.

    The museum's layout is generally praised for being well-organized and informative, with clear explanations accompanying the exhibits. However, some visitors note that certain areas of the museum could benefit from updates or more interactive displays to engage younger audiences.

    One of the most appreciated aspects of the museum is that it offers free admission, making it an accessible cultural resource for both locals and tourists. The staff is often described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

    While the museum receives mostly positive feedback, some visitors mention that it's relatively small and can be thoroughly explored in a couple of hours. This compact size is viewed positively by some as it allows for a comprehensive visit without being overwhelming, but others might find it lacking in comparison to larger city museums.

    The museum's temporary exhibitions are generally well-received, adding variety and fresh interest for repeat visitors. However, the frequency and scale of these exhibitions can vary, which some visitors note as an area for potential improvement.

    Overall, the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery provides a solid introduction to the area's history and culture, offering good value especially considering its free entry. While it may not be the most cutting-edge or extensive museum, it serves as a worthwhile stop for those interested in learning about Hastings and its significance in British history.

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