The Novium Museum

The Novium Museum in Chichester is a striking modern building raised above the remains of one of Britain’s best‑preserved Roman bathhouses. This unusual design means visitors begin their journey with archaeology literally beneath their feet, a reminder that the city’s Roman past still shapes its present. The museum’s three floors explore Chichester’s story from ancient settlement to contemporary life, blending artefacts, interactive displays and local narratives. The ground floor centres on the Roman bathhouse, where you can view the exposed hypocaust system that once heated the rooms. Detailed models and reconstructions help visualise how citizens bathed, socialised and conducted business. Upstairs, galleries trace the region’s medieval and Georgian development, including rare objects from the city’s old guilds and trades. One of the museum’s most intriguing facts is its connection to astronaut Tim Peake, who grew up in the area. A dedicated gallery showcases his training gear, mission artefacts and a full‑size replica of the Soyuz capsule that returned him to Earth. Temporary exhibitions add fresh perspectives, often highlighting local stories, wartime history or scientific innovation. The Novium offers a layered experience where Roman engineering, community heritage and modern exploration meet under one roof.