Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

About

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has been delighting visitors since the late 19th century, making it one of the oldest public museums in the UK. 

Initially built as stables for the Household Cavalry of King George IV in 1808, the site was purchased by Brighton town in 1850 and later remodelled as a Free Library, Museum and Picture Gallery in the early 1870's. It opened as Brighton Museum & Art Gallery officially in 1902 after the library was relocated.

Nowadays, it's a vibrant cultural hub, celebrating not only Brighton and Hove's proud history from the Saxon's to contemporary sub-cultures, but communities and traditions from across the globe. 

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Inside the Museum

Elaine Evans Archaeology Gallery

From the Ice Age to the Saxon period, this award winning gallery celebrates Brighton and Hove's rich archaeological heritage, walking you through the lives of our ancient ancestors.

Fine Art

With a fine art collection spanning five centuries, spread throughout the museum and nestled within three dedicated galleries, you can experience works from old masters through to contemporary artists.

Images of Brighton

Trace Brighton's vibrant history from small fishing town to fashionable seaside resort and explore thriving sub-cultures from Regency balls to the modern club scene. 

Ancient Egypt

Brighton Museum's Ancient Egypt collection is one of the largest held in a regional UK museum. Explore Ancient Egyptian culture from early technology to mythology through fascinating archaeological finds. 

Fashion & Style

Fashion is such a key example of cultural development and Brighton is fantastic for it - the museum reflects this through their Fashion & Style gallery, with a collection dating from 1500's court clothing to contemporary trends. 

Mr Willett's Popular Pottery

Henry Willet (1823-1905) was one of the founders of the museum, and avid collector of Sussex pottery and ceramics - believing that these everyday objects within our homes were an invaluable insight into our shifting cultural identities. 

Performance

Performance is at the heart of Brighton's identity, and this collection celebrates performance from across the globe. From traditional Punch & Judy, lantern costumes from Burning the Clocks, all the way through to traditional African masks.

World Stories

Developed in partnership with young people from Brighton and Hove, this gallery explores seven ‘world stories’ from parts of the globe linked to items from their extensive World Art collection, including clothing, sculpture, artworks and film.

Queer the Pier

Queer the Pier is a community curated display celebrating local LGBTIQA+ history, looking into the lives of local writers, artists, performers, activists and ordinary people who paved the way for the modern day.

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Opening Times

Mondays: Closed

Bank Holiday Mondays: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

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Guide Prices

You can purchase a ticket on the door or book in advance online.

Online bookings must be made at least one day before the day of your visit.

Adult: £9.50

Child (5-18): £4.50

2 adults with up to 4 children: £23.50

1 adult with up to 4 children: £14.00

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Accessibility

Please note the lift is currently out of order and there is no accessible access to the upstairs of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. (Accurate as of 30/12/2025)

Brighton Museum is located in the city centre within the Royal Pavilion Estate. It is on level ground, close to the Lanes and North Laine and only 5 minutes’ walk from the sea.

Visitors must pay an admission charge to enter Brighton Museum. Companions/carers accompanying a disabled visitor can enter free. Additional charges may apply for events. See admission charges for more information.

All areas of the Museum are accessible for wheelchair users and for people with limited mobility. There is a passenger lift and accessible toilets.

Visitor Services Officers are positioned around the building should you require any assistance and are happy to answer any queries.

BSL interpreted group tours are available for the hard of hearing. All group tours must be booked in advance.

Facilities

Accessible toilets are located on both the ground floor and the first floor. Both have level access, and non-slip flooring. They are well lit and have grab rails, lever taps and an emergency pull cord.

Full accessibility information is available here.

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Venue details