Bath
Historic art & design

The Holburne Museum

A premier destination for historical art and design in the heart of Bath

ArtHistoryDesign

An art museum in Sydney Gardens displaying fine and decorative arts around the collection of Sir William Holburne. Paintings, silver, ceramics, furniture and portrait miniatures are shown in a Grade I-listed building with a modern extension and temporary galleries.

An art museum in Sydney Gardens displaying fine and decorative arts around the collection of Sir William Holburne.

The Holburne Museum
About The Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum serves as a refined destination for fine and decorative arts within the historic city of Bath. Set in a beautiful Grade I-listed building, the collection centers on the personal acquisitions of Sir William Holburne, including silver, ceramics, and portrait miniatures. Visitors can enjoy a blend of historic architecture and modern gallery spaces that provide a focused look at this unique cultural landscape.

Exterior view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
The Holburne Museum opening hours in Bath

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for The Holburne Museum. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Bath.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
11:00-17:00
Admission and Ticket Information

The Holburne Museum offers a range of access options for visitors exploring its fine and decorative art collections. General admission tickets are available for purchase and grant entry to all current exhibitions. Additionally, the museum provides free entry for visitors aged 18 and under. Concession rates are also offered, though specific pricing details for these categories remain subject to museum policy.

General admission

£16.50

Age 18 and under

Free

Visitor facilities and accessibility at The Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum provides a range of facilities to support visitor comfort, including on-site dining and retail options, along with convenient transport links. The venue is designed to be accessible, offering step-free access, lift facilities, and designated parking for Blue Badge holders. Guests can also enhance their experience with digital guides and dedicated gallery seating throughout the building.

Free Blue Badge spaces

Available

Accessible toilet

Available

Lift access

Available

Step-free visitor access

Available
Family visits to The Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum offers a flexible art experience featuring a decorative collection and regular creative programming. With free admission for visitors aged 18 and under, families can explore the galleries or enjoy the surrounding Sydney Gardens. Detailed information about the current family schedule and specific resources is available on the dedicated visitor page.

Recommended age: Up to age 18

Under-18s enter free, and changing exhibitions, collection displays and regular creative activities provide a flexible family art visit.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Free admission for under-18s
  • Creative family programme
  • Decorative arts collection
  • Sydney Gardens setting
Museum Pass Access at The Holburne Museum

Visitors to The Holburne Museum can utilize specific membership programs to facilitate their experience. Access to this art collection in Bath may be granted through discounted entry for qualifying cardholders, though individual program terms and potential additional charges for special exhibitions remain subject to specific pass conditions.

Location and setting of The Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum is situated within the historic Sydney Gardens in the Bathwick neighborhood of Bath. This peaceful setting offers a distinctive backdrop for exploring fine and decorative arts. The location allows visitors to easily combine a visit to the museum with a stroll through the surrounding park and nearby historic streets of the city.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Great Pulteney Street

BA2 4DB Bath

Bathwick, England, GB

Planning Your Visit to The Holburne Museum

Visitors should allow 60 to 90 minutes to fully experience the collections at The Holburne Museum in the Bathwick neighborhood of Bath. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure entry, especially during busier periods. Please verify current opening times and admission policies before travelling to the museum to ensure a smooth arrival.

Planning Your Visit to The Holburne Museum

Exploring the Art Collections at The Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum offers a refined encounter with fine and decorative art set within a historic house in Bath. Visitors can explore an eclectic collection featuring paintings, silver, ceramics, furniture, and portrait miniatures. The experience is defined by the blend of a Grade I-listed building with a modern extension that houses both permanent displays and temporary galleries. By focusing on the collection of Sir William Holburne, the museum provides a distinct look at local cultural life through design and history. Guests are encouraged to take their time to appreciate the craftsmanship presented across the various exhibition spaces.

Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Top exhibition picks at The Holburne Museum
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Bath
Discover high-interest exhibitions at The Holburne Museum, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Bath.
Watercolor illustration of an 18th-century gallery with deep purple walls, gold-framed portraits, a fortepiano and harp, and polished wooden floors.
Permanent exhibition

18th-century British Paintings Collection at the Holburne Museum

Permanent display of historical portraiture and theatrical art.

Discover a significant assembly of British portraiture and works by masters including Thomas Gainsborough and Johann Zoffany. The display offers insight into 18th-century social history within the museum's historic Picture Gallery.

British Paintings Exhibition
Purple watercolor illustration of a gallery interior with glass display cabinets holding porcelain, plates, and decorative objects arranged on the walls and a central freestanding case.
Permanent exhibition

17th and 18th-century Decorative Art at the Holburne Museum

A permanent collection reflecting the culture and history of Georgian Bath.

View fine 17th and 18th-century porcelain, glassware, and personal items. This collection offers insights into historical social customs and includes notable pieces like Meissen figurines.

Decorative Art Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of the Holburne Museum's Ballroom gallery featuring a chandelier, tall windows, framed portrait paintings, and decorative objects in glass vitrines.
Permanent exhibition

Ballroom: 17th and 18th-Century Painting and Decorative Art Collection

Explore historical paintings and decorative objects in a refined, historic setting.

Discover a permanent display of paintings, silver, and ceramics in the museum's Ballroom. This historic room provides a unique backdrop for viewing art from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Ballroom Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of The Schroder Gallery interior showing illuminated glass cases displaying 16th-century Renaissance silver treasures and maiolica ceramics.
Permanent exhibition

Discover The Schroder Gallery at the Holburne Museum

An exceptional long-term display of Renaissance decorative arts and painting.

View over 100 16th-century masterpieces, featuring silver, bronzes, and paintings from the Schroder Family Collection. The gallery highlights rare historical treasures and significant artistic heritage in a dedicated setting.

The Schroder Gallery
Watercolor illustration of the Posnett Gallery interior, featuring glass display cabinets filled with miniature artifacts and figurines, alongside framed paintings on warm-toned walls.
Permanent exhibition

William Holburne’s Collection in the Posnett Gallery

A diverse array of personal artifacts and Flemish master paintings.

Browse through the eclectic treasures of William Holburne, ranging from miniature gems to silver and paintings. Gain unique insight into the historical and aesthetic influences behind one of the founding collections of the museum.

William Holburne Collection
Illustration of a gallery wall with ornately framed black and white portraits and figure prints, lit by purple spotlights above a small pedestal.
From May 23, 2026

Beyond Impressionism: Printmaking from Manet to Picasso at the Holburne Museum

An exploration of Post-Impressionist printmaking evolution and techniques.

Examine how legendary painters transformed printmaking into a radical medium between the mid-19th century and the 1930s. The collection features iconic figures including Manet, Bonnard, and Picasso, showcasing their unique contributions to fine art prints.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor painting of rolling purple chalk hills with a white horse figure carved into the hillside beneath a soft overcast sky, inspired by the South Downs.
Oct 3, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027

Ancient Landscape, Modern Times: Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs

Modern British art exhibition at the Holburne Museum in Bath.

Discover how painters like Eric Ravilious, Paul Nash, and Tirzah Garwood redefined the landscape genre between the 1910s and 1940s. The exhibition highlights the interplay between personal identity and the changing environment during an era of significant uncertainty.

View Exhibition

Historical Background of The Holburne Museum

The Holburne Museum originated from the personal collection of naval officer Sir William Holburne, who curated his extensive selection of paintings and decorative objects between 1820 and 1874. The collection eventually opened to the public in 1893 within the historic Sydney Hotel in Bath. In 2011, the venue underwent a *significant architectural transformation* when a modern extension was added, successfully integrating contemporary gallery spaces with the original Grade I-listed building.

  • Sir William Holburne forms the collection

    1820-1874Collection

    Naval officer Sir William Holburne assembled the paintings, silver, porcelain and other objects that became the museum's founding collection.

  • Holburne Museum opens

    1893Opening

    The collection opened to the public in the former Sydney Hotel at the end of Great Pulteney Street.

  • Modern extension opens

    2011Renovation

    A major redevelopment by architect Eric Parry added new galleries and visitor facilities behind the historic building.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Holburne Museum

Planning your trip to The Holburne Museum in Bath? From figuring out if we are open on Mondays to finding the best nearby parking spot, we have compiled the answers you need to ensure your gallery visit is as smooth as a piece of fine decorative art.

What are the weekend opening hours for The Holburne Museum?

On Saturdays, the visiting hours are from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Sundays, the museum is open from 11:00 to 17:00.

Is The Holburne Museum open on Mondays?

Yes, The Holburne Museum is open on Mondays with visiting hours from 10:00 to 17:00.

What time does The Holburne Museum close?

The Holburne Museum closes at 17:00 every day of the week.

What are the opening hours of The Holburne Museum?

The Holburne Museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 17:00, and on Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00.

Visitor Tips for The Holburne Museum

To ensure an enjoyable visit to The Holburne Museum, it is recommended that you allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes to explore the collections and historic building. Advance reservations are advised to help manage your time effectively, especially if you prefer to avoid potential peak visitor periods. The venue provides several accessibility features including lift access, step-free entry, and accessible toilets for visitor comfort. If you arrive by vehicle, please note that there is a small pay-and-display car park located directly beside the museum. Visitors are encouraged to verify current accessibility and photography policies before setting out to ensure a seamless experience.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The Holburne Museum in Bath offers a thoughtful experience for those interested in fine and decorative arts, history, and design. The venue is well-suited for families, students, and individual visitors who appreciate a relaxed pace for exploring historic collections and modern galleries. Practical amenities such as lift access, step-free entrances, and an on-site café enhance comfort throughout the visit. Visitors should allow enough time to fully engage with the displays, taking advantage of available digital guides to enrich their understanding of the curated works.

Visual Tour of The Holburne Museum

Explore the visual character of The Holburne Museum in Bath through these images, which capture both the historic Grade I-listed architecture and selected highlights from the fine and decorative art collections. These views offer a glimpse into the museum's refined atmosphere and the diverse works displayed within its galleries. Use these photos to envision your upcoming visit to this historic house and its grounds.

Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Exterior view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Exterior view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Exterior view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Exterior view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Representative view of The Holburne Museum in Bath.
Bath

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Find everything about The Holburne Museum in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
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