Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
With a National Art Pass you get
This friendly museum, on the Square in Barnstaple, is the perfect place to start your exploration of the town.
The museum is housed in a Grade II listed building, overlooking the River Taw. Established in 1989, it brings together collections from the Barnstaple Literary and Scientific Institution, the North Devon Athenaeum and the Barnstaple Borough Museum to share the stories of the people and landscapes of North Devon.
Explore local history
The permanent exhibitions display a cross section of the 80,000 objects in the collection, from the formation of the North Devon’s rocks to 20th Century life. Discover Arts and Crafts furniture produced by Barnstaple's leading 20th-century employer, Shapland and Petter. The museum also houses an impressive array of military artefacts from the Royal Devon Yeomanry, everyday objects used by North Devon residents throughout history, and a section dedicated to geology and minerals.
Local art and artists
One notable highlight is the North Devon Art Pottery collection, considered one of the finest in the country. Encompassing pieces from the medieval period to the present day, highlighting the artistic evolution of this local craft. The fine art collections also focus on local views and significant local painters, including Joseph Kennedy and F R Lee.
Family fun and learning
From family quizzes, trails and workshops, to creative sessions, talks and events the museum provides something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is also collecting and preserving local stories through articles, oral histories and film. If you have a story about the area get in touch with the museum.
Visitor information
Address
The Square, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 8LN
01271 346747
Opening times
10:00am-5:00pm Monday to Saturday
Refurbishments
The 2 Million Heritage Lottery Funded Long Bridge Wing was completed in 2009. Providing the museum with a new temporary exhibition space, community gallery, modern learning room and lift.
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.