Top Museums in Bath

Sally Lunn's Museum

Sally Lunn's House is the oldest known house in Bath. The present timber-framed building dates from 1492 and Roman and Medieval remains have been found below the cellar floor. Sally Lunn, a young French girl, did not arrive until 1680. She brought with her a recipe for a sweet, brioche-style bread, which has become known as the 'Sally Lunn Bun'. After Sally's death, the recipe appeared to be lost forever until renovations in 1937 uncovered a copy of the secret recipe in a panel above the fireplace. The museum beneath the tearooms offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of history. Adjacent is a cellar containing stalagmites and stalactites. Entrance to the museum is just 30p.

The Jane Austen Centre

The Jane Austen Centre located in Gay Street where Jane Austen once lived, the permanent exhibition in this Georgian house offers a look at the life and times of Bath's most famous authoress. Staff give regular introductory talks, following which you may browse through the exhibition at your leisure. Settings and costumes illustrate Bath in Austen's time, while a video presentation gives glimpses of her daily life and how living in Bath influenced her novels. If you fancy dressing in period costume and posing for the camera, make an appointment for a sitting with the professional photographer. The gift shop offers various Jane Austen souvenirs, books, stationery, lace, cards and gifts.

Bath Assembly Rooms

The Bath Assembly Rooms were the meeting place for public entertainment in the 18th century, and continue to be used today. The Ball Room is the largest space, and was used for dances and conversation. The Octagon Room's shape was suited to card playing amongst the menfolk, while the women often retired to the tea room. An additional card room was added at the back, which now serves as a bar area. Costumes of the kind worn here in the 18th century, as well as many other fashions old and new, are housed in the Museum of Costume on the lower floor of the building; admission is charged to see the museum.

Fashion Museum

Four hundred years of style are on display in the Fashion Museum, located on the lower floor of the Assembly Rooms. Perhaps the most famous example is a rare outfit from 1660, the silver tissue dress. An audio tour guides visitors through the changes in style and fashion right up to the present day. Modern fashions are represented by the, "Dress of the Year", chosen every year since 1963 by leading experts to record the important developments in the fashion world. Those wishing to study fashion may wish to visit the Fashion Research Centre.

St James Gallery

Situated in an area dominated by some of the finest Georgian architecture in Britain, this gallery has an international reputation for contemporary ceramics, paintings and jewellery in a location to match; St Margarets Buildings is a pedestrian area nestling neatly between The Circus and the Royal Crescent. The ceramics in particular are much sought after, and on close examination it is easy to see why. Each piece is individual and has a certain je ne sais quoi that screams quality. Prices reflect this, but browsing costs nothing.

Hotbath Gallery

Opened in 1994, Hotbath Gallery displays contemporary visual arts, and is designed to accommodate a variety of exhibition formats including painting, sculpture, applied arts, crafts and design. The gallery mounts between twelve and fifteen exhibitions a year, encompassing student shows and recent work by artists of international stature as well as aspiring local artists. Situated in an elegant, early 19th century building, whose original features have been retained and restored, the gallery comprises three interlinked spaces and boasts an exciting, contemporary atmosphere and the chance to see fresh work by potentially great artists of the future. A cafe, art books and artists' materials shop and full disabled access throughout are in the works.

Porter Design

The main outlet for prints outside of London, Porter Design in Shires Yard has a fantastic stock of historic and modern prints, and as the sales lady says, 'the most gorgeous things in Bath!'. Starting out as a distributor of 18th and 19th Century French architecture, Porter now produces their own range of paper and card products with art themes. This is also a rare outlet for artists of various media, including ceramics and Kenneth Tuner glass.

Rooksmoor Gallery

An independent gallery, known for the alternative art exhibitions that it hosts, Rooksmoor Gallery has recently shifted to George Street to join its sister, the Rostra Gallery. Between both galleries, visitors can enjoy an eclectic exhibition of sculpture, paintings, ceramics and other forms of contemporary art. The entire purpose of the gallery is to provide upcoming artists a chance to display their work, without compromising on ideas. It is also the sole supplier of limited edition prints of several noted contemporary artists. Definitely worth a visit for all those who are artistically inclined.

Edgar Modern

Edgar Modern is a must-visit for all fans of contemporary art. Some of the best artists of Britain have exhibited their creations here. Relatively new among the galleries of Bath, it has nevertheless emerged as a haven for artists and art-lovers. The gallery chiefly exhibits modern art throughout the year. Occasionally, it focuses on one new artist with a solo exhibition of his works. Because of this, it has achieved a reputation for introducing fresh works of art, which is highly appreciated in the artistically inclined city of Bath.

Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society aims to promote and support the 'art of photography ' by showcasing the works of new and upcoming photographers. An educational charity, anyone can avail of its membership and partake in the events hosted by the Society. Both members and non-members can hire their lecture and conference rooms. Among its popular photography exhibits is the Members' Exhibition that allows the members to showcase their creativity.