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Exhibitions

Did you know that Torquay is home to the earliest evidence of modern human life in Britain? Or have you ever wondered how Brixham’s fishermen used to make their ropes? You can discover these, and other fascinating gems of knowledge, at the varied range of permanent and visiting exhibitions across the English Riviera.

Art exhibitions and trails

The coast and countryside of Torbay and the South West have long been a source of inspiration for artists. From bold seascapes to sculptures, you’ll find art exhibitions taking place across the local area. Many of our historic buildings, like Cockington Court and Greenway, play host to exhibitions throughout the year. And every year you can catch the best local artists displaying at the Devon Art Society Spring and Summer Exhibitions at St Anne’s Hall in Babbacombe.

At Torre Abbey you’ll find a series of excellent permanent galleries with works of art capturing the beauty of the sea and surrounding countryside. The Abbey also holds frequent guest exhibitions inside, as well as sculpture exhibitions on the garden lawns.

For history buffs

Torbay has a rich history, and an excellent selection of museums to tell the stories. Torquay Museum is a treasure trove of curios from Torquay and around the world. You’ll unearth the fascinating permanent collection ranging from fossilised reptile footprints to an ornate paddle from Papua New Guinea. And the museum also has a busy programme of temporary exhibitions, allowing you to discover something new on every visit.

Brixham Heritage Museum looks back at the lives of residents over the years. Here you’ll find varied exhibitions tracing the history of this bustling Devon town. Find out about the role played by Berry Head in the Napoleonic War. And learn all about the fishing trade and why it has always been so important to Brixham.

Bringing exhibitions to life

Step into the family-run Bygones, St Marychurch, Torquay and you step back in time to visit the Britain of the past. There are three floors of collections where you can walk along a Victorian street, see a genuine Anderson shelter and other militaria, or browse through the shopping arcade of fifties memorabilia. Many of the exhibitions are hands on – you can play the vintage amusement arcade games and you can press buttons to bring the fabulous model railway to life.

Arts and crafts exhibitions at Cockington

Cockington Court has a reputation as an arts and crafts hub. As well as the collections in the craft studios, you’ll find regular exhibitions are put on in the Kitchen Gallery and the Tea Room Gallery. And when you’re in need of refreshment, you’ll never be far from a tea shop serving up a delicious Devon cream tea.

Agatha Christie in Torbay

Agatha Christie is one of Torbay’s most well-loved former residents. As well as finding information on her life at Torquay Museum, you can visit her former home Greenway House. Now run by the National Trust, you’ll find special exhibitions as well as a permanent collection charting her time in Torbay and the influence it had on her writing.

Search our list of exhibitions and dig a little deeper into the rich art, culture and history of Torbay, the South West, and beyond.

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Number of results: 10

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Ongoing Events

Victorian Christmas - Bygones

St Marychurch, Torquay

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
1 - 31 December 2020
Join us in 1897 with special lighting, decorations, a 12-foot tree and a special festive hunt. Normal entry applies.
- Santa will be arriving on the Bygones Express! Visit him a week early in his grotto…

Venue

Bygones Torquay, Torquay

Dates

From:

2 Dec 2020to24 Dec 2020

From:

26 Dec 2020to31 Dec 2020
Abbey Advent - Torre Abbey

Torquay

Our adventure begins with a fun stained-glass lantern-making workshop, to create lights out of recycled materials to help guide us on our magical journey. You can then venture outside into the gardens of the abbey (don’t forget warm clothes and…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

11 Dec 2020to12 Dec 2020

From:

18 Dec 2020to19 Dec 2020
Journey: Mayflower 400 - Torre Abbey

Torquay

Suitable for all ages
Entry to this event is included with normal admission
Journeys: Mayflower 400
The Tamar Valley Printmakers (UK) and the Cape Cod Printmakers (USA) are presenting a new body of artistic work inspired by the journey taken by the…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

1 July 2021to30 Aug 2021
Riviera Classic Car Show

Paignton

The RIVIERA CLASSIC CAR SHOW, July 25th, 2021.
Organised by Torbay Old Wheels Club since 1994 as part of the Paignton Festival and Torbay Carnival. Raises funds for local charities. One of the most popular and best supported shows in the region,…

Dates

From:
25 July 2021
International Agatha Christie Events at Torre Abbey

Torquay

The aim of the Festival is to demonstrate that great art is for everyone and widen participation in the arts, while satisfying the traditional demands of the loyal Agatha Christie fan-base.

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

11 Sept 2021to18 Sept 2021
Jerwood Makers Open

Torquay

Jerwood Makers Open was established in 2010 to promote the significance of making and materials within the visual arts arena, seeking to support exceptional skill and imagination. It supports artists to freely develop creative ideas central to their…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

23 Jan 2021to4 Apr 2021Various Opening Times
Torre Abbey Spring Open Art Exhibition: Chasing Rainbows

Torquay

Rainbows are not just a beautiful natural phenomenon, they represent peace and hope and the metaphorical promise of sunshine after the rain. In 2020 they were used as a powerful emblem of solidarity with our NHS and key workers, while throughout…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

17 Apr 2021to27 Apr 2021Various Opening Times
Claws! The Human History of Cats Exhibition

Torquay

Exploring the relationship of cats and humans from distant prehistory until the present day, including cats in Ancient Egypt, Myth and Magic and Man eaters, this exhibition will run until the beginning of September and will include many specimens…

Venue

Torquay Museum, Torquay

Dates

From:

2 Dec 2020to31 Dec 2020
'Lockdown' - Young People's Photography Exhibition

Torquay

Back in February we teamed up with the Royal Photographic Society South West Branch to launch a photography competition for young people, completely unaware of how the world was about to change. As we went into a national lockdown, we adapted the…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

2 Dec 2020to12 Dec 2020
The Russians Are Coming! Soviet Spies and the Secret Mapping of Torbay - Torquay Museum

Torquay

The Russians Are Coming! Soviet Spies and the Secret Mapping of Torbay
During the Cold War the Soviet Union embarked on the greatest secret intelligence-gathering operation the world has ever (not) seen, with spy satellites, reconnaissance aircraft…

Dates

From:

2 Dec 2020to16 Jan 2021

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Exhibitions

Art exhibitions and trails

For history buffs

Bringing exhibitions to life

Arts and crafts exhibitions at Cockington

Agatha Christie in Torbay

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