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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: 12

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Ongoing Events

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 2021Various Opening Times
Stitch by the Sea - South Devon Stitchers Exhibition Exhibition

Torquay

Stitch by the Sea - South Devon Stitchers Exhibition
Saturday 3 July - Sunday 5 September
South Devon Stitchers are a friendly group who enjoy all forms of embroidery and textiles. Members vary from highly experienced to novice stitchers and all…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

3 July 2021to5 Sept 2021Various Opening Times
Brixham Art Society - Summer Art Exhibition

Brixham

Brixham Art Society invites you to a colourful and exuberant post-lockdown Exhibition. View original paintings, drawings and prints, in a wide variety of subject matter, including local scenes. All work is for sale.
www.brixhamartsociety.co.uk

Dates

From:

28 July 2021to7 Aug 2021
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:

10 Sept 2021to19 Sept 2021
Devon Open Studios

Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Devon Open Studios is a unique opportunity to meet artists in their studios in some of the most beautiful, unexplored parts of Devon. In addition to being able to buy art direct from the creator, many demonstrate, give talks or give you a chance to…

Dates

From:

11 Sept 2021to26 Sept 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
Riviera Classic Car Show

Paignton

The RIVIERA CLASSIC CAR SHOW, July 24th July, 2022.
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…

Dates

From:
24 July 2022
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:

5 Oct 2021to21 Oct 2021Various Opening Times
Printmakers Exhibition - Torre Abbey

Torquay

Together with the Artizan Gallery, we have chosen two local printmakers - Ian Cox and Allison Reshad - the chance to display their stunning works here at Torre Abbey. The exhibition is in the Gathering Space and is free with admission. The show will…

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

11 June 2021to30 Aug 2021
The Secret Museum Exhibition Celebrating 175 Years of Torquay Museum

Torquay

The Secret Museum Exhibition - Celebrating 175 Years of Torquay Museum
“There is more hidden away than there is on display”
Torquay Museum has exceptionally large and varied collections for a town museum. 175 years of collecting has created an…

Venue

Torquay Museum, Torquay

Dates

From:

12 June 2021to4 Sept 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:

19 May 2021to27 June 2021Various Opening Times
Windows in Time: Images on the Street Exhibition

Torquay

A Free Exhibition Celebrating Local Heritage through Historic Images on the Streets of Torbay.
The Medium of photography as we know it today has been going just a little longer than the Torquay Museum has exited, around 175 years. We hold tens of…

Venue

Torquay Museum, Torquay

Dates

From:

5 Apr 2021to5 Sept 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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