Housed in a lavish 18th-century hotel is an expansive collection of fine and decorative art based around the collection of a wealthy former resident of Bath.
Explore the rooms and hallways of the beautiful Holburne Mansion, which showcases artworks built around the collection of Sir William Holburne. Admire works by artists such as Turner, William Hoare and Thomas Gainsborough.
Walk through the Sydney Pleasure Gardens and observe the ornate façade of the museum. Head upstairs for collections of porcelain, paintings and sculpture from the 18th century. Visit the former ballroom, where silver and china are arranged for a banquet under an enormous crystal chandelier. Collections of gems and Golden-Age Dutch works are housed across the hall. View paintings by artists such as Ramsay and Zoffany on the top floor, alongside the works of historical Bath residents Hoare and Gainsborough.
Relax in the Garden Café and choose from a variety of drinks, snacks and light lunches. The café looks out over the Sydney Gardens and has won an award for its design. View temporary exhibitions by artists from all over the world. Attend lectures and talks by visiting academics and staff. Listen to lunchtime music recitals or enjoy drinks and music at an evening event.
See the original collection and over 2,000 additional works of art here. First opened to the public in 1893, the Holburne Museum began with the private collection of Sir William Holburne. A resident of Bath from 1830, Holburne grew his collection from a modest number of inherited pieces. Since his sister donated the collection to the people of Bath, the museum has added to it regularly.
The Holburne Museum is located in the Sydney Gardens and is open every day except from Dec. 24 to 26 and New Year’s Day. Reach the museum on foot in 10 minutes from Bath city center or in 15 minutes from Bath Spa Train Station. You can also take a bus to Bathampton or to Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge, both of which stop over the road from the museum. On-site parking is available for a small fee. Visiting the museum itself is free, but there are charges for temporary exhibitions, lectures and events.
