Business Details
Explore 400 Million Years of Torbay's Heritage at Torquay Museum
Torquay Museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing Torbay's natural environment and cultural heritage since its founding in 1844. Our mission is to safeguard historical collections, making them accessible to inspire learning and enjoyment for all visitors. Originally established by the Torquay Natural History Society, we transitioned to Torquay Museum Society in 2003 and now operate under the Torbay Museums Trust. Our collections have grown through public donations and member contributions, reflecting centuries of local history.We rely on admission income as a registered charity, receiving no regular government funding. Our Venetian-Gothic building, designed by William Harvey Jnr, houses unique exhibits including the Agatha Christie collection and a 377-million-year-old tree fossil. We offer educational programs, family-friendly activities, and research opportunities while maintaining strong community ties through initiatives like easyfundraising. Our team works year-round to ensure the preservation of Torbay's heritage for future generations.
Services
Exhibitions
Family Activities
Educational Programs
Research Access
Gift Shop
Guided Tours
Event Hire
Lectures
Conservation Projects
Collection Research
Highlights and features
- We offer access to 400 million years of Torbay's geological and cultural history
- Our Agatha Christie exhibition features original Poirot and Miss Marple costumes
- Family-friendly interactive displays engage children and adults alike
- We provide free carer entry and discounted tickets for Blue Light Card holders
- Our research projects collaborate with universities on global archaeological studies
What people say
Great museum for kids
Friendly staff
Fun interactive displays
Agatha Christie area
Fascinating exhibitions
Services
Exhibitions
Our permanent exhibitions showcase Torbay's 400-million-year history through geological specimens, cultural artifacts, and the famous Agatha Christie collection. Interactive displays engage visitors of all ages with hands-on learning experiences. Special temporary exhibitions explore specific themes and historical periods.
Family Activities
We offer explorer dress-up sessions, discovery trails, and seasonal events designed to make history accessible and entertaining for young visitors. Our family tickets provide cost-effective access for multiple visits throughout the year.
Educational Programs
School groups benefit from curriculum-linked workshops and guided tours. Our educational resources support learning about local geology, archaeology, and cultural history through object handling and interactive demonstrations.
Research Access
Researchers gain access to our extensive collections through appointment-based study sessions. Current projects include Torquay's marble industry history, Fijian ethnographic artifacts, and Kent's Cavern archaeological research in collaboration with universities.
Event Hire
Our historic Venetian-Gothic building offers unique spaces for lectures, conferences, and private events. The museum hosts regular public events including film screenings, literary festivals, and specialist lectures throughout the year.
Questions
What are Torquay Museum's opening hours?
We're open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4:45pm. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and 20 Dec-7 Jan. Last entry at 4pm.
How much are admission tickets?
Adults £10, children 5-17 £5, under 5s free. Family tickets available for £15 (1 adult) or £25 (2 adults).
What special exhibitions are available?
Current highlights include the Agatha Christie collection, 377-million-year-old tree fossil, and interactive geological displays. Seasonal exhibitions change throughout the year.
Do you offer research access to collections?
Academic researchers can access collections by appointment. We support studies in local archaeology, geology, and cultural history through our documentation and conservation projects.
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