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Top 7 Art Museums in Bath, England
Known for its restorative wonders, Bath was once the home of Jane Austen. Sure, you could attempt to conjure up this elegant city by reading Pride and Prejudice in your tub, but as Bath has a lot more history than your bathroom (we assume, anyway) you'd be missing out. A stroll through Bath is like visiting an open-air museum, with roughly 5,000 buildings in the city drawing notice for their architectural merit. After your stroll, soak in the natural hot waters of the Thermae Bath Spa, once a favorite of the Celts and Romans.
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1. Holburne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,162 reviews
With an impressive collection of fine and decorative art, this newly transformed Museum, with Garden Cafe, is situated in lovely grounds and is set to become Bath's must-see attraction. Open daily, admission £12.50/£7. 10am to 5pm (11am on Sundays)
Reviewed By bsandrs - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
We have visited the Holburne on several occasions in the past to see specialised exhibitions such as Peter Blake. Being in Bath just before lockdown we were pleased therefore to revisit and enjoy the Grayson Perry presentation. On a dry, sunny morning it was good to walk down Great Pulteney Street and sit in the tented garden cafe enjoying coffee before entering the galleries. The items on display from the earlier years of the artists work were very impressive and well presented. Staff were welcoming and knowledgeable. Covid restrictions were carefully observed and made for a very enjoyable visit. We will, no doubt, be back in the future
2. Beaux Arts Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
One of the largest galleries of contemporary art in Bath specializing in well-known British artists such as John Bellany, Nicola Bealing and Ray Richardson.
3. Museum of East Asian Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
The mysteries and beauty of the Eastern world are preserved and artfully displayed in this Georgian house, which houses a collection of Oriental Art and Treasures dating from 5000 BC up to the present day.
Reviewed By crystalcatLondon
What a surprise to discover this small museum housed in a town house close to the Museum of Fashion. The lovely collection of Oriental effects is spread over a number of small floors. There are beautiful carved jade ornaments, ancient metal pieces and delicate porcelain bowls. Who would expect to find so much Ming in a tiny museum? Absolutely stunning.
4. American Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 720 reviews
The American Museum provides a fabulous day out for all adults and children. The New American Garden, Mount Vernon Garden, and play area “The Children’s Garden” awaits explorers of all ages. From winding paths and colourful flowers to woodland wanders with your four-legged friends (yes, dogs on leads are welcome!) and climbing adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding views over the Limpley Stoke Valley, on the edge of Bath, the American Museum takes you on a journey through American history, with its remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. The gardens, children’s play area and cafe are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm. The Museum and exhibition remain closed in line with government guidance. Please see our website for updates,
Reviewed By rosannam316 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Such an interesting and informative museum. The gentleman on reception clearly explained how the layout works and from reading up about it beforehand I knew that the emphasis is on the folk art side of things. However I was very pleasantly surprised to find a lot of information about the history of America and it’s good to hear this is likely to be expanded. I particularly enjoyed the Native American section and the quilts and other textiles on display are wonderful. The skill and craftsmanship is just astonishing. A huge bonus was the Kaffe Fassett exhibition and I was blown away by the display. I also enjoyed the Thomas Kellner photos - imaginative and quite stunning. Lovely gift shop and I like the way it’s also used to display museum pieces. I had lunch in the cafe and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see American dishes on the menu. Friendly staff and good service. Unfortunately due to the weather I didn’t have chance to go round what looked to be really interesting gardens. I used the hop on/off bus and would just say if you choose to do the same, it’s a good 20 min walk from where you’re dropped off, part of it on a narrow road with no pavement. I’m fit and healthy and enjoy walking but others may wish to consider different options. I also found there was a lack of signage once you turned off the “main” road and I had to check with passers by that I was still heading in the right direction!! I hope to visit again next year with friends who I know will love it.
5. Museum of Bath Architecture
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 153 reviews
This unique collection interprets the rich architectural history of Bath and the men who transformed a provincial town into the world famous Georgian Spa. It demonstrates how classical design influenced the buildings and illustrates the construction of a house from the cellars to the rafters. Based in the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, the building is also home to the Bath Model, a fully detailed architectural model of the historic city centre, giving a unique insight into the layout of the Georgian City.
Reviewed By SheffieldDavs
A small but interesting museum in a historic converted chapel. To watch the video and then work your way around reading all the displays takes an hour. It costs £6.50 which is very fair given it is run by a small poorly funded charity. There is an excellent knowledgeable guide on reception. a helpful 5 minute intro video, an interesting aerial photo and then a beautiful scale model. A great little gem in an interesting and historic city.
6. Victoria Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 447 reviews
The Victoria Art Gallery is the public art museum in Bath. It is run by Bath & North East Somerset Council and houses its collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. The Gallery will be closed on 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Reviewed By jonnyc848 - Walthamstow, United Kingdom
Excellent Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition and certainly recommend a visit if you like the master painter and printer... When we visited there were also ‘guides’ from Bath Spa around the exhibition giving a theatrical explanation and performance of poems specially chosen by them. Unusual but certainly added to the experience!
7. Andrew Brownsword Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
