Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery
Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery was founded in 1855 and shows how the local area in Hampshire has developed.
A delightful double dose of art, history, and culture. Founded in 1934, the Curtis Museum showcases a rich collection covering archaeology, social history, natural history, and local industry. The Allen Gallery, its neighbouring sister venue, provides a platform for visual arts through exhibitions and displays.
Curtis Museum
A hidden gem particularly for those interested in local and regional history. The museum’s collection spans a wide range of topics, including archaeology, social history, natural history, and English history. Permanent exhibitions include a rare Roman enamel cup, ancient Saxon burials, hop picking and brewing and the 1643 Battle of Alton - with a Civil War era helmet, breastplate and sword.
Allen Gallery
The gallery boasts an impressive collection of ceramics, considered one of the finest in the south of England, from Wedgwood and English Delftware to unique studio pottery by Lucie Rie. Regular exhibitions of WH Allen watercolours and oils take place in the Allen Gallery, which was named in his honour, as well as a vibrant program of temporary exhibitions, from renowned contemporary artists and local talents.
Activities for all ages
Both the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery host a variety of events throughout the year. Talks, workshops, and family programs cater to a range of interests. Children can have fun with activity bags, dressing-up clothes, workshops and drop-in activities.
Visitor information
Address
High Street, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1BA
01420 82802
Opening times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.