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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: 15

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Ongoing Events

CANCELLED - Brick Safari Nights

Paignton

For 5 months from Saturday 28th March, Paignton Zoo will be home to The Great Big Brick Safari. Over 80 wild animal models made from thousands of LEGO® bricks will form a trail around our grounds and exhibits... but it's not just for children!
For…

Dates

From:
24 July 2020Open 18:30 - 21:00
From:
28 Aug 2020Open 18:00 - 20:00
CANCELLED - Riviera Classic Car Show

Paignton

The RIVIERA CLASSIC CAR SHOW, July 26th, 2020.
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:
26 July 2020
Classic Motorcycles at Cockington Court

Torquay

The VMCC Dartmoor (The Vintage Motorcycle Club) will be displaying an array of vintage and classic motorcycles on the front lawn and in the Sea Change Craft Studios area at Cockington Court.
VMCC Dartmoor is a small group of enthusiasts who ride…

Venue

Cockington Court Craft Centre, Torquay

Dates

From:
26 July 2020
Pilgrim (BM47) Open Day

Brixham

Visit Pilgrim – Free Guided Tours
We welcome visitors to Pilgrim on our public Open Days, or by prior arrangement for School or College visits and for Clubs and Private Groups.
Pilgrim is the oldest surviving trawler built and rigged in Brixham.…

Dates

From:
9 Aug 2020Open 10:30 - 15:30
From:
17 Aug 2020Open 10:30 - 15:30
From:
25 Aug 2020Open 10:30 - 15:30
From:
25 Sept 2020Open 13:30 - 15:30
From:
13 Oct 2020Open 13:30 - 15:30
From:
30 Oct 2020Open 10:30 - 15:30
Brixham Art Society Show

Brixham

Brixham Art Society Show
A superb Art Show displaying outstanding works by local artists, many of which can be purchased.
Members of Brixham Art Society are united by their love of art and willingness to share ideas. A variety of media is used in…

Dates

From:

15 Aug 2020to24 Aug 2020
CANCELLED - Torbay Mods on the Green

Paignton

As part of the week long Paignton Regatta Community Fun Week celebrations, Torbay Mods Scooter Club will be displaying their 60's & 70's classic and retro mod scooters on Paignton Green.

Dates

From:
16 Aug 2020
Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission

Venue

Torquay Museum, Torquay

Dates

From:

11 Sept 2020to20 Sept 2020
Devon Open Studios

Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Devon Open Studios, the annual artist's open studios event, takes place across Devon during September.
Devon Open Studios offers a leisurely but stimulating day out: a chance to explore some of Devon’s hidden byways, meet local artists, discuss…

Dates

From:

12 Sept 2020to27 Sept 2020
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:

1 Dec 2020to24 Dec 2020

From:

26 Dec 2020to31 Dec 2020
Christmas at the Model Village

Torquay

The Christmas Experience -
* Enjoy a visit to the Model Village with some magical miniature Christmas scenes
Further details to follow.
A Big Day Out at Britain’s Largest Model Village!
AS FEATURED ON BBC TV
Visit this famous Torquay…

Venue

Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

Dates

From:

12 Dec 2020to24 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
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:

22 July 2020to5 Sept 2020Various Opening Times
Torbay Guild of Artists Exhibition

Torquay

A showcase of stunning images by the Torbay Guild of Artists.
This exhibition will be held in the Spanish Barn.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
The Guild is an organisation for local artists to exhibit original work. They have painters,…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

17 Oct 2020to2 Nov 2020Various Opening Times
POSTPONED - The Art of Selling Songs: Music Graphics from the V&A

Torquay

The Art of Selling Songs: Music Graphics from the V&A
From paint strokes to pixels, the Rolling Stones to Blur, this fascinating collection from the V&A will take you on a journey through music.
Featuring 80 iconic objects including album covers,…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

16 May 2020to31 Aug 2020
'Lockdown' - Young People's Photography Competition 2020

Torquay

We are living through extraordinary times and although our freedom of movement is currently limited, our freedom of expression isn’t. With this in mind, we are excited to be working with the Royal Photographic Society (South West Branch) to run a…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

1 June 2020to31 Aug 2020

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Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.
Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

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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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