Housed in a striking Grade I listed building at the end of Bath’s grand Great Pulteney Street, the Holburne Museum is the city’s first public art gallery. Its core collection was assembled by Sir William Holburne, a 19th-century naval officer and passionate collector, and includes fine and decorative arts ranging from Renaissance bronzes and porcelain to masterpieces by Gainsborough and Stubbs. The museum’s elegant setting in the former Sydney Hotel—once a hub of Georgian social life—adds historical depth to its cultural offerings. A bold modern extension, completed in 2011, expanded the museum’s capacity for exhibitions and events while maintaining harmony with its historic surroundings. Today, the Holburne presents a dynamic programme of exhibitions, performances, and community activities, making it a vibrant centre for art and heritage in the heart of Bath.
Bath United KingdomThe Holburne Museum is situated at the end of the grand, tree-lined Great Pulteney Street in Bath, BA2 4DB, within the historic Sydney Gardens. This elegant Grade I listed building, originally designed as a hotel, now houses an impressive collection of fine and decorative arts, including works by Gainsborough, Zoffany, and Stubbs. The museum’s striking architecture blends classical Georgian features with a contemporary extension, offering a unique setting for art exhibitions, music performances, and creative workshops. Its location places visitors just a short stroll from Bath’s city centre, making it easy to explore other iconic attractions such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Victoria Art Gallery. The museum opens directly onto Sydney Gardens, one of the city’s oldest pleasure gardens, perfect for a relaxing walk. Nearby, you’ll find the picturesque Pulteney Bridge, boutique shops, and a variety of cafés and restaurants. The Holburne’s own Garden Café, with views over the gardens, is a popular spot for refreshments. This vibrant area ensures that a visit to the Holburne Museum can be seamlessly combined with Bath’s rich cultural, architectural, and culinary experiences.
The Roman Baths
Bath
Fashion Museum Bath
Bath
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Bath
Museum of Bath Architecture
Bath
Museum of East Asian Art
Bath
Bath Postal Museum
Bath
Victoria Art Gallery
Bath
Beaux Arts Bath
Bath
David Simon Contemporary
Bath
Bath Abbey
Bath
Guildhall
Bath
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Bath
Royal Victoria Park
Bath
Parade Gardens
Bath
Sydney Gardens
Bath
Alexandra Park
Bath
Bath Skyline Walk
Bath
Pulteney Bridge
Bath
The Assembly Rooms
Bath
The Old Theatre Royal
Bath
Guildhall Market
Bath
Bath Farmers’ Market
Bath
St Michael’s Church
Bath
St John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Bath
Thermae Bath Spa
Bath
Cross Bath
Bath
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Bath
American Museum & Gardens
Bath
Museum of Bath at Work
Bath
Jane Austen Centre
Bath
Beckford’s Tower and Museum
Bath
Nick Cudworth
Bath
Mary Shaw
Bath
44AD Artspace
Bath
Walcot Chapel Arts Space
Bath
Clarendon Fine Art Bath
Bath
Francis Gallery
Bath
Red Rag Gallery
Bath
Castle Fine Art
Bath
Gallery Nine
Bath
Pencil Tree Gallery
Bath
Adam Gallery
Bath
Jenny Cowderoy Fine Art
Bath