Get your culture fix at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

The museum’s building is adjacent to the Royal Pavilion, decked out in the Indo-Saracenic style to match it. Originally built for George IV in 1805, who was then the Prince of Wales, the building was an integrated part of the estate and originally designed to be a tennis court, but would later serve as cavalry barracks. After the pavilion was sold by Queen Victoria in 1850, the city, which had purchased the estate, announced part of the building would serve as a space where exhibitions would be held annually. The current building which houses the collection has been in use as a museum since 1902, after being moved from what was once the stables and is now the Brighton Dome. The museum underwent massive refurbishments and renovations in 2002 and the entrance was revamped to better accommodate visitors.

The collection at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is rather varied. It makes for a fantastic cultural escape, no matter what your interests are, since you’ll be seeing a little bit of everything. The Elaine Evans Archaeology Gallery explores the lives of ancient communities and peoples during the Ice Age and Saxon era, transporting visitors back to that time and allowing for a fascinating and immersive learning experience. The Museum’s Fine Arts Gallery features an excellent selection of works by 20th century artists, but also iconic old masters. Our favourites include the portraits of local Brightonians and Swans at Play by Gaston La Touche (1854-1913). An undeniable highlight of the museum is its collection dedicated to images of Brighton and retracing its history through art in all kinds of forms. Their Fashion & Style gallery also features an incredible array of pieces retracing the history of fashion from the 1500s to today, and through that, showcasing Brighton’s unique and rebellious spirit. We also love their 20th century design which highlights incredible innovation and creativity, as well as local craftsmanship. The museum also has a fascinating collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts and objects. The Egyptian gallery also puts on some wonderful child-friendly learning activities

All that culture is bound to leave you in need of a little pick-me-up and what better way to get your caffeine fix for the day than to try out a local café. Brighton is brimming with local coffee spots and there are a handful of lovely ones near the museum. Here are some of our favourites. 

The Pavilion Gardens Cafe is the obvious choice as it’s only a few metres away from the Museum and is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee in the lush gardens on a beautiful sunny day. It’s been around for almost as long as the Museum has and has become a favourite amongst locals strolling through the gardens. 

Trading Post Coffee Roasters is only a short walk from the Museum and offers a fantastic selection of different hand-picked roasts and blends. If you’re hungry, they also serve up some wonderful breakfast or brunch dishes. 

Meanwhile is a beautiful space, really close to the Museum and serves up some delicious coffee. You can also order some food or sweet treats and it is the perfect setting to settle down and discuss all the art you were just gazing at. 

Wolfox Health Cafe is a delightful spot located on Gardner Street, a brief walk from the Museum. It’s the perfect spot for some fresh fruit bowls, juices, and of course, coffee. 

• The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.
• Visitors can purchase tickets on sight or in advance online.
• Tickets for adults are £9 and £4 for children. Tickets for Brighton & Hove residents or local students are £6,75. 
• The museum has accessibility facilities in place, but don’t hesitate to contact them directly if you have further questions or concerns about this.  

By bus: 

• Local buses will drop you off right by the Museum, by either getting off at Old Steine or North Road. Many different buses regularly travel through these stops. 

By foot: 

• The Museum is located in the heart of town, right next to the Royal Pavilion, and a swift 5 minute walk from the Lanes. The area is also well signposted so it’s hard to miss it.

• Please be aware the museum is located in the very centre of Brighton and offers no parking facilities, we do not recommend you drive straight to the museum. 
• You can download the One Minute app to enhance your experience visiting the museum and get even more information out of your time there. Attendants on sight will be able to tell you more about it. 
• Personal photography inside the museum is authorised, although flash use, tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.