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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: 11

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Ongoing Events

POSTPONED - 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:
25 Sept 2020Open 13:30 - 15:30
From:
13 Oct 2020Open 13:30 - 15:30
From:
30 Oct 2020Open 10:30 - 15:30
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
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
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
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:

19 Sept 2020to18 Nov 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
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
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 2020to31 Dec 2020Various Opening Times
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:

19 Aug 2020to16 Jan 2021Various Opening Times

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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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