Ancient art museums in United Kingdom

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

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

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

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, situated in Glasgow, Scotland, is a renowned museum and art gallery. After undergoing a three-year renovation, it reopened in 2006 and quickly became one of Scotland's most frequented visitor centres. This makes it a significant point of interest for tourists exploring Scotland's rich cultural and historical heritage.

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

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.

The National Gallery of Scotland opened in 1859 and is housed in a neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair. The gallery houses a collection of both classical and modern art from various countries. The displays are organized according to countries and periods. Highlights of the perma

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Burrell Collection is a museum/art collection in Glasgow. The Burrell Collection consists of objects collected by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy Glaswegian shipping magnate. It includes an important collection of medieval art including stained glass and tapestries, oak furniture, medieval weapon

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.

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.

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.

Chirk Castle is a Grade I listed castle situated in Chirk, Wrexham County Borough, Wales. The castle, which was built in 1295, is now owned and managed by the National Trust. It was part of King Edward I's chain of fortresses across the north of Wales and served as the administrative centre for the Marcher Lordship of Chirkland.

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.

The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest museum in Scotland. The museum features objects relating to William Hunter and his collections from Roman Scotland, geology (he Begg Collection of fossils donated by James Livingstone Begg), ethnography, ancient Egypt, scientific instruments (from L

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Burns House Museum is a museum in Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, social history, decorative and applied art, archives, personalities, costume and textiles, music, coins and medals and literature. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: kilmarnock and edin

Perth Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Perth. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Music, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Social History, Archives, Weapons and War, Decorative and Applied Art, Land Transport, Natural Sciences, Science and Technology, World Cultures and Costume and T

Constructed in 1752 and later extended in the early 20th century, Pollok House was generously given to the City of Glasgow in 1966. Today, it is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the house and its grounds, immersing themselves in its history and beauty.

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

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.

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.

The Watt Institution, formerly known as the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, is situated in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland. It is the primary museum in the Inverclyde area, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors. The museum is easily accessible and is a significant cultural landmark in the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Museum of Orange Heritage, Schomberg House, aims to educate, encourage understanding, address negative perceptions and build confidence with all those that come to visit. This site focuses on the history and traditions of the Orange Institution, beginning with the Glorious Revolution, and tra

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.

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.

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

The Newport Museum and Art Gallery, also known as the City Museum, is a multifaceted cultural institution located in the heart of Newport city centre. It is conveniently situated on John Frost Square, adjacent to the Kingsway Shopping Centre, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum, library, and art gallery offer a diverse range of exhibits and collections, providing a comprehensive insight into the rich history and culture of Newport and Wales.

Meffan Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Forfar. The museum features exhibits related to: land transport, archaeology, decorative and applied art, fine art, personalities, social history, science and technology, costume and textiles and coins and medals.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Colzium House is a museum in Kilsyth. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, weapons and war, costume and textiles, world cultures, natural sciences, archaeology, decorative and applied art, social history, archives and coins and medals.

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

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,

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.

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

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.

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

Y Gaer, located in Glamorgan Street, Brecon, Powys, Wales, is a municipal structure that houses a museum, an art gallery, and a library. This complex offers a rich cultural experience for visitors, with a variety of exhibits and collections to explore. The museum, in particular, boasts a collection that includes a tombstone of a young cavalryman called Candidus, found at Y Gaer, a local Roman fort.

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.

Museum of the Cumbraes is a museum in Isle of Cumbrae. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Fine Art, Social History, Natural Sciences, World Cultures, Archives, Costume and Textiles, Archaeology, Weapons and War and Decorative and Applied Art.

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.

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.

The campus of Swansea University is strategically located just outside the city centre, on the grounds of Singleton Park and on the north side of Swansea Bay. This location offers a serene and conducive environment for both study and leisure, with easy access to the city's amenities.

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.

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

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

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.

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