All ancient art museums to visit in England

Step back in time with the fascinating collections of 70 ancient art museums in England. Marvel at artifacts, sculptures, and relics from ancient civilizations that tell the story of human history.

Do you have a fascination with ancient history and art? These are the top ancient art museums in England:

  1. British Museum1

    British Museum

     London
    The British Museum is home to one of the largest collections of works and artefacts coming from all over the world. The museum was opened in 1759 and is dedicated to human history, art, and culture. The museum has ten departments with various collections, including artefacts dedicated to indigenous
  2. National Gallery2

    National Gallery

     London
    The National Gallery is an art gallery that is housed in a neoclassical building built in 1838. The gallery holds an art collection of over 2.600 pieces which contains European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The highlights include paintings by El Greco, Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt, Ruben
  3. Victoria and Albert Museum3

    Victoria and Albert Museum

     London
    The Victoria and Albert Museum holds the largest design and decorative art collection in the world, with over 2.27 million objects. The museum houses collections that span 5,000 years of art, from ancient times to the present day. Through these collections, visitors explore historical and contempora
  4. The Wallace Collection4

    The Wallace Collection

     London
    The Wallace Collection is an art collection that is housed in the Hertford House, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford. The collection consists of of fine and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Especially the holdings in the collection of 18th-century
  5. Ashmolean Museum5

    Ashmolean Museum

     Oxford
    The Taylorian's collections are vast, with around five hundred thousand volumes in total. These collections include Modern European languages such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. The library also holds many world-class collections, including works from Dante, Tasso, Foscolo, and Futurist manifestos. Its French holdings are particularly strong, with a complete collection of all the French editions of Voltaire's Candide printed in 1759.
  6. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery6

    Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

     Birmingham
    The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, also known by the acronym BMAG, is a significant cultural institution located in Birmingham, England. It is one of the nine entities managed by the Birmingham Museum Trust under the name Birmingham Museums.
  7. Tate Britain7

    Tate Britain

     London
    Tate is a collective name for the National Gallery of British and modern art in England. It comprises four museums: Tate Britain, which was opened in 1897 and was previously known as the Tate Gallery; Tate Liverpool, which was opened in 1988; Tate St. Ives, which was opened in 1993; and Tate Modern, which was opened in 2000. In addition to these physical locations, there is also Tate Online, a website created in 1998 that encompasses all the Tate museums.
  8. The Fitzwilliam Museum8

    The Fitzwilliam Museum

     Cambridge
    The Fitzwilliam Museum is divided into five departments: Antiquities, Applied Art, Coins and Medals, Manuscripts and Printed Books, and Paintings, Drawings and Prints. Each department offers a unique insight into different aspects of art and history, providing a comprehensive and diverse experience for visitors.
  9. Castle Howard9

    Castle Howard

     York
    Castle Howard, a grand English country house, is situated 24 km north of York, in the county of North Yorkshire. This magnificent residence was constructed between the years 1699 and 1712 under the patronage of Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. The architectural design of the house was entrusted to the renowned architect John Vanbrugh.
  10. Walker Art Gallery10

    Walker Art Gallery

     Liverpool
    The Walker Art Gallery, located in Liverpool, is home to the most significant collection of art in the United Kingdom outside of London. Known as the 'National Gallery of the North', the gallery boasts a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Walker Art Gallery offers a unique opportunity to explore a vast collection of art in a beautiful setting.
  11. Manchester Art Gallery11

    Manchester Art Gallery

     Manchester
    Manchester Art Gallery, previously known as Manchester City Art Gallery, is a public art gallery situated on Mosley Street in Manchester, England. This gallery is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of local and international art.
  12. Sir John Soane's Museum12

    Sir John Soane's Museum

     London
    Sir John Soane's Museum is a house museum that was formerly the home of the English architect John Soane, who specialised in the Neo-Classical style. The museum displays drawings and models of Soane's projects and the collections of paintings, drawings and antiquities collected by Soane.
  13. The Bowes Museum13

    The Bowes Museum

     Barnard Castle
    The Bowes Museum, located in the town of Barnard Castle in County Durham, northern England, is an art gallery that was established in 1892. It was built to house the extensive art collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier. The museum is a testament to their love for art and their desire to share it with the public.
  14. Kingston Lacy14

    Kingston Lacy

     Wimborne Minster
    Kingston Lacy is a historic residence located in the quaint English village of Wimborne Minster, Dorset. The original design of the building was conceived in 1663 by the renowned architect Roger Pratt. However, the residence underwent significant remodeling in the first half of the 19th century under the guidance of Charles Barry, another prominent figure in the field of architecture.
  15. Ickworth15

    Ickworth

     Horringer
    Ickworth House is a neoclassical country house located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England. It is surrounded by parkland, providing a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. The house was built between 1795 and 1829 and was formerly the main residence of the Hervey family, who owned the estate since 1467.
  16. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery16

    Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

     Bristol
    The Bristol City Museum, located in Bristol, England, is a large art gallery that is funded by the Bristol City Council. This means that visitors can explore the museum's vast collection of exhibits without having to pay an entrance fee. The museum is a great place to spend a day exploring and learning about various aspects of art, history, and culture.
  17. Great North Museum Hancock17

    Great North Museum Hancock

     Newcastle upon Tyne
    The Great North Museum: Hancock is home to the collections of the Shefton Museum of Greek Art and Archaeology. This museum, originally located at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, was established in 1956 and closed in 2008. The collections, which have grown to over 800 objects, provide a fascinating insight into Greek art and archaeology.
  18. Lady Lever Art Gallery18

    Lady Lever Art Gallery

     Birkenhead
    Lady Lever Art Gallery houses the personal collection of the first Lord Leverhulme. The gallery features exhibits related to: weapons and war, decorative and applied art, archives, fine art, world cultures and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: joshua reynol
  19. Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens19

    Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens

     Fishbourne
    Welcome to the largest Roman home in Britain. Imagine the luxury that would once have surrounded the proud owner of this lavish Roman residence. Stroll around the recreated Roman gardens – the earliest gardens found anywhere in the country – and enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in th
  20. Whitby Museum20

    Whitby Museum

     Whitby
    Whitby Museum is an independent institution located in Whitby, North Yorkshire, England. It is managed by the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society, a scholarly society and registered charity that was established in 1823. The museum is a testament to the rich history and culture of Whitby and offers a unique insight into the town's past.
  21. New Walk Museum and Art Gallery21

    New Walk Museum and Art Gallery

     Leicester
    The New Walk Museum and Art Gallery is conveniently located on New Walk in Leicester, England. Its proximity to the city center makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, making it a suitable destination for a wide variety of interests.
  22. Tamworth Castle22

    Tamworth Castle

     Tamworth
    Tamworth Castle, situated in the English town of Tamworth in Staffordshire, is a Grade I listed monument in the United Kingdom. This means it is recognized as a building of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important. Its location on a hill overlooking the confluence of the River Anker into the Tame offers visitors a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
  23. Kenwood House23

    Kenwood House

     London
    Kenwood House is a former stately home that served as a seat for the aristocratic Murray and Guinness families. Famous paintings in its collection include The Guitar Player by Johannes Vermeer, Self Portrait with Two Circles, by Rembrandt, Portrait of Pieter van den Broecke, by Frans Hals, Portrait
  24. Apsley House24

    Apsley House

     London
    Apsley House is a Georgian building and is the London townhouse of the Dukes of Wellington. The house is open to the public as a museum and art gallery which has the Wellington Collection on display, a collection of paintings, other artworks and items of the career of the 1st Duke. The rooms inside
  25. Penlee House Gallery and Museum25

    Penlee House Gallery and Museum

     Penzance
    Penlee House is a museum and art gallery situated in the town of Penzance, in Cornwall, England. It is a significant cultural hub in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of artworks and historical artifacts. The museum is home to a notable number of paintings from the Newlyn School, including works by renowned artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Norman Garstin, Walter Langley, and Lamorna Birch.
  26. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery26

    The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

     Stoke-on-Trent
    The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is situated in Bethesda Street, Hanley, one of the six towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. The museum is one of the four local authority museums in the city, with the others being Gladstone Pottery Museum, Ford Green Hall, and Etruria Industrial Museum. The admission to the museum is free, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
  27. Laing Art Gallery27

    Laing Art Gallery

     Newcastle upon Tyne
    The Laing Art Gallery, situated in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was established in the year 1904. It was founded by Alexander Laing, a wealthy wine merchant from Newcastle, who donated an estimated 20,000 pounds for the construction of the gallery. The gallery was designed by local architects Cackett and Burns Dick.
  28. Dulwich Picture Gallery28

    Dulwich Picture Gallery

     London
    Founded in 1811, the Dulwich Picture Gallery was England's very first public gallery. The museum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Watteau, Gainsborough, Van Dyck and many others. Besides these masterpieces, the collection consists of many more French, Italian and Spanish Baroque paintings a
  29. Christchurch Mansion29

    Christchurch Mansion

     Ipswich
    Christchurch Mansion, located in Ipswich, Suffolk, is a significant Tudor brick mansion house. It was constructed by Edmund Withypoll around the years 1548–50. This historical building offers a glimpse into the architectural style and craftsmanship of the Tudor period.
  30. Watts Gallery30

    Watts Gallery

     Guildford
    Watts Gallery – Artists' Village is a unique art gallery located in the quaint village of Compton, near Guildford in Surrey. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing the work of the renowned Victorian-era painter and sculptor, George Frederic Watts. This makes it a special destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in Victorian-era art.
  31. Wiltshire Museum31

    Wiltshire Museum

     Devizes
    The Wiltshire Museum, previously known as the Wiltshire Heritage Museum and Devizes Museum, is a multifaceted institution established in 1874 in Devizes, Wiltshire, England. It serves as a museum, archive, library, and art gallery, offering a diverse range of exhibits and resources for visitors to explore.
  32. Guildhall Art Gallery & London's Roman Amphitheatre32

    Guildhall Art Gallery & London's Roman Amphitheatre

     London
    Guildhall Art Gallery displays the richness of London's history. It is home to the art collection of the City of London, consisting of around 4,000 pieces, of which around 250 are on display at any one time. The Gallery's permanent collection displays works dating from the 1600s onwards, including a
  33. Leeds City Museum33

    Leeds City Museum

     Leeds
    The Leeds City Museum, which was first established in 1819, reopened its doors in 2008. It is located in the former Mechanics' Institute, a building designed by Cuthbert Brodrick and situated in what is now known as Millennium Square in Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.
  34. Harris Museum and Art Gallery34

    Harris Museum and Art Gallery

     Preston
    The Harris Museum, a Grade I-listed building, is located in Preston, Lancashire, England. It was founded by Edmund Harris in 1877 and serves as a local history and fine art museum. The museum's establishment was made possible through the will of Edmund Robert Harris, a Preston lawyer, who left £300,000 to establish a trust and support a public library, museum, and art gallery with Preston Corporation.
  35. Clock Tower35

    Clock Tower

     Saint Albans
    St Albans Museums is a collection of museums and historic buildings in the city of St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. It is managed by the St Albans City and District Council. This collection includes the St Albans Museum + Gallery, the Verulamium Museum, the Hypocaust at Verulamium, St Albans' medieval Clock Tower, and the ruins of Sopwell Priory.
  36. The Salisbury Museum36

    The Salisbury Museum

     Salisbury
    The Salisbury Museum is renowned for its extensive collection related to Stonehenge and local archaeology. This collection provides a comprehensive insight into the historical significance of the region and its archaeological discoveries.
  37. Torquay Museum37

    Torquay Museum

     Torquay
    The Torquay Museum, located in the town of Torquay, Devon, England, is a significant historical site. The building itself has been recognized as a grade II listed building since 1975, indicating its architectural and historical importance.
  38. The Queen's Gallery38

    The Queen's Gallery

     London
    The Queen's Gallery is a public art gallery that rotates pieces from the Royal Collection showcasing numerous exhibits such as paintings and jewelry. Around 450 works are on display at any one time. It is located at the west front of the Buckingham Palace and first opened in 1962. It underwent a rec
  39. Wolverhampton Art Gallery39

    Wolverhampton Art Gallery

     Wolverhampton
    The Wolverhampton Art Gallery, situated in the heart of the City of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, United Kingdom, is a significant cultural landmark. The gallery was funded and constructed by local contractor Philip Horsman and officially opened its doors to the public in May 1884. This historical establishment offers a unique blend of art, history, and culture, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists.
  40. Victoria Gallery and Museum40

    Victoria Gallery and Museum

     Liverpool
    The Victoria Gallery & Museum (VG&M) is a unique institution run by the University of Liverpool. Located in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, this art gallery and museum offers a diverse range of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore.
  41. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology41

    Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

     London
    The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is part of University College London Museums and Collections and holds around 80,000 objects, including one of the greatest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology. The Petrie Museum illustrates life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through the ti
  42. Forty Hall and Estate42

    Forty Hall and Estate

     Enfield
    Forty Hall and Estate is a museum in Enfield. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Archives, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Industry, Architecture, Natural Sciences, Social History, Toys and Hobbies, Weapons and War, Costume and Textiles, Design, Decorative and Applied Art and Personali
  43. Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry43

    Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry

     Kendal
    The Abbot Hall Art Gallery is home to one of the most significant collections of George Romney's paintings in Britain. In addition to these paintings, the gallery also houses several of Romney's sketchbooks and drawings. This collection provides a comprehensive look at Romney's work and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore his artistic process and style.
  44. Southampton City Art Gallery44

    Southampton City Art Gallery

     Southampton
    The Southampton City Art Gallery is situated in the Civic Centre on Commercial Road. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  45. Hellens Manor45

    Hellens Manor

     Much Marcle
    Hellens Manor, also known as Hellens House, is situated in the quaint village of Much Marcle in Herefordshire. It is recognized as one of the oldest dwellings in England, with its current architecture primarily reflecting the Tudor style. However, some elements of the manor may date back even further, adding to its historical significance.
  46. Little Hall Lavenham46

    Little Hall Lavenham

     Lavenham
    The Lavenham Guildhall is a historic timber-framed municipal building located in Lavenham, Suffolk, England. This Grade I listed building is a significant part of the town's heritage and offers a glimpse into its rich past.
  47. Erewash Museum47

    Erewash Museum

     Ilkeston
    The Erewash Museum is situated in the charming town of Ilkeston, nestled in the district of Erewash, Derbyshire, England. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area while enjoying the scenic beauty of Derbyshire.
  48. Discover Bucks Museum48

    Discover Bucks Museum

     Aylesbury
    The Buckinghamshire County Museum is situated in the heart of Aylesbury, a town in Buckinghamshire, England. This central location makes it easily accessible for visitors, offering a convenient starting point for exploring the rich history and culture of Buckinghamshire.
  49. Firle Place49

    Firle Place

     Lewes
    Firle Place is a historic manor house located in Firle, East Sussex, United Kingdom. The property has been in the possession of the Gage family since the 15th century, marking a significant period of ownership. The manor house, with its rich history and architectural beauty, offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  50. Shipley Art Gallery50

    Shipley Art Gallery

     Gateshead
    The Shipley Art Gallery is a renowned art gallery situated at the southern end of Prince Consort Road in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England. It is a significant cultural landmark in the region, attracting art enthusiasts from all over the world.
  51. Museum & Art Swindon51

    Museum & Art Swindon

     Swindon
    Museum & Art Swindon, formerly Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, is a museum in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. We are a vibrant and creative cultural destination for everyone, with a team of passionate experts at our heart. We provide inspiration and enjoyment, offering a sense of place and pride for lo
  52. Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre52

    Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre

     Bury
    The Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre, previously known as the Bury Museum and Art Gallery, is a public institution located in the town of Bury, Greater Manchester, in the north of England. It is owned by the Bury Council and serves as a museum, archives, and art gallery. The museum is a significant cultural hub in the region, offering a diverse range of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore.
  53. West Park Museum53

    West Park Museum

     Macclesfield
    West Park Museum is a museum in Macclesfield. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Natural Sciences, Law and Order, World Cultures and Archaeology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Ancient Egyptian antiquities, Charles Tunnicliffe, Giant Panda and Charles Roe.
  54. Old Speech Room Gallery54

    Old Speech Room Gallery

     Harrow
    The Old Speech Room was built in 1819-21 as a chamber in which to encourage public speaking. It was converted into a gallery by Alan Irvine in 1976 as a repository for the School's varied and distinguished collection of antiquities and fine art. The Old Speech Room Gallery features exhibits related
  55. Museum of Classical Archaeology55

    Museum of Classical Archaeology

     Cambridge
    The Museum of Classical Archaeology is home to one of the few remaining collections of plaster casts of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures worldwide. This unique collection includes several hundred casts, featuring some of the most famous surviving ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.
  56. Ilkley Manor House56

    Ilkley Manor House

     Ilkley
    Ilkley Manor House, situated in the charming town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire, England, serves as a local heritage museum, an art gallery, and a live venue. The establishment of the Manor House in its current form dates back to 1961. It was created with the aim of preserving local archaeological artefacts, particularly those of Roman origin, which were at risk of being lost due to the expansion of the spa town.
  57. Beecroft Art Gallery57

    Beecroft Art Gallery

     Southend-on-Sea
    The Beecroft Art Gallery is situated in the old Southend Library building, beside the Central Museum, and has a varied collection ranging from 17th century Dutch paintings to contemporary works, a collection of local views, and Southend Museums' historic costume collection. The annual exhibition pro
  58. South London Gallery58

    South London Gallery

     London
    South London Gallery is a contemporary art gallery. The contemporary collection includes self-portraits by a range of artists, works relating to the local area and the South London Gallery's exhibitions programme. The South London Gallery’s historic art collection contains more than 5,000 paintings,
  59. Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre59

    Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre

     Darwen
    Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre is a museum in Darwen. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Coins and Medals, Social History, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, World Cultures, Weapons and War and Archives.
  60. The Garstang Museum of Archaeology60

    The Garstang Museum of Archaeology

     Liverpool
    The Garstang Museum of Archaeology is named in honour of Professor John Garstang, who founded the 'Institute of Archaeology' and associated museum in 1904. The museum exhibits artefacts from the excavations of Garstang in Egypt, Sudan, and the Near East. Highlights include an Egyptian mummy and disp
  61. Queen's House - Royal Museums Greenwich61

    Queen's House - Royal Museums Greenwich

     London
    The Queen's House is a 7th-century royal villa that was the first Classical building in England, designed by renowned architect Inigo Jones. The House is famous for its art collection including works by Great Masters such as Gainsborough, Hogarth and the van de Veldes.
  62. Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum62

    Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

     Royal Leamington Spa
    Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum is a museum in Royal Leamington Spa. The museum features exhibits related to: toys and hobbies, coins and medals, fine art, weapons and war, decorative and applied art, social history, archaeology, costume and textiles and medicine. Key themes, people and exhibi
  63. The Box63

    The Box

     Plymouth
    The Box, located in Plymouth, Devon, England, is a museum, gallery, and archive that opened in 2020. It houses a collection of approximately 2 million items, making it a significant cultural and historical hub in the region.
  64. 64

    Buscot House

     Faringdon
    In 1956, the house and estate of Buscot Park were bequeathed to the National Trust. Today, the property is managed by the present Lord Faringdon. This ensures that the historical integrity of the property is maintained, while also allowing the public to appreciate its architectural and cultural significance.
  65. Dewa Roman Experience65

    Dewa Roman Experience

     Chester
    The Grosvenor Museum, located in Chester, Cheshire, in the United Kingdom, is a significant cultural institution. It is recognized in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building, indicating its historical and architectural importance. The museum, which opened in 1886, houses a diverse collection of items, including archaeological artifacts from the Roman period, paintings, musical instruments, and a room arranged as a Victorian parlour.
  66. 66

    Museum of East Asian Art

     Bath
    The Museum of East Asian Art, also known as MEAA, is conveniently located in Bennett Street, Bath, Somerset, England. It is just a few metres away from The Circus, a historic street in the heart of Bath. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  67. 67

    UCL Art Museum

     London
    UCL Art Museum is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Albrecht Durer, Apocalypse series, Anthony van Dyck, Iconographia, Joseph Wright of Derby, John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt van Rijn, Martin Schongauer, Hendric
  68. 68

    Winchester College Treasury

     Winchester
    Winchester is unusual in having its own museum, known as Treasury. It houses the Duberly Collection of Chinese art and the College collection of Greek vases. The colourful Chinese collection comprises about two hundred items, mainly porcelain. It was bequeathed to Winchester by Major and Lady Duberl
  69. 69

    University of Bristol Theatre Collection

     Bristol
    The Red Lodge Museum is a historic house museum located in Bristol, England. The original building was constructed in the Tudor-Elizabethan era, with construction beginning in 1579-1580. The museum is a testament to the architectural and cultural history of Bristol, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  70. 70

    Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre

     Bampton
    Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre. We opened in September, 2013 and are located in St. Michaels Church in the centre of Bampton. We have a museum / display covering local history. We have a number of videos covering local history, the Exe Valley Railway Bampton Fair etc. There is an oral histor