Holburne Museum

The Holburne is one of the UK’s leading regional art museums. Founded in 1882 with the bequest of Sir William Holburne’s collection of paintings, porcelain, silver and decorative objects, the collection has since grown, enhanced by works by Gainsborough, Lawrence, Kauffmann, Stubbs and Zoffany amongst others, presenting one of the UK’s most important displays of British portraiture. Housed in the former Sydney Hotel, the landmark Grade I listed building has been extensively refurbished in recent years. A contemporary glass and ceramic-clad extension by architect Eric Parry RA opened in 2011, and a new gallery on the lower ground floor was created in 2025 to display the Schroder collection of Renaissance treasures. In addition to memorable collection displays, the Holburne presents a programme of critically acclaimed temporary exhibitions of great art of all periods, setting the art of the past in dialogue with contemporary practice in exciting ways. Its vision – to make the Holburne an open, welcoming, inspiring and empowering space for everyone – is also delivered through a nationally-renowned programme of creative learning events for all ages.