Brighton is often celebrated for its lively seafront, iconic pier, and eclectic shopping districts, but beyond the beach and bustling nightlife lies a rich cultural scene. The city is home to a diverse range of museums and galleries that cater to art lovers, history buffs, and the simply curious. From grand exhibition spaces to quirky collections, Brighton’s cultural institutions reflect the city’s creative, open-minded, and sometimes unconventional personality.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main museums and galleries in Brighton, giving you an insight into what each offers and why they’re worth a visit.
1. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Located within the Royal Pavilion Gardens, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is one of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions. The building itself, part of the Royal Pavilion estate, is worth admiring for its architecture alone.
Inside, the museum offers an eclectic mix of exhibits, ranging from fine art and decorative art to world cultures and local history. Visitors can expect to see:
- Art collections featuring works from Old Masters to modern British artists.
- Decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, and fashion.
- World art and artefacts showcasing cultures from Africa, Asia, and beyond.
- Local history displays that dive into Brighton’s transformation from a fishing village to a fashionable seaside resort.
It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to understand the city’s heritage while also enjoying a broad artistic experience.
2. Booth Museum of Natural History
A true hidden gem, the Booth Museum of Natural History is a quirky and fascinating place for nature enthusiasts. Founded in 1874 by Victorian naturalist Edward Thomas Booth, it houses an impressive collection of taxidermy, fossils, minerals, and birds.
Highlights include:
- Over 500 British bird species, displayed in realistic dioramas.
- Fossils and bones, including those of prehistoric creatures.
- A collection of insects and butterflies.
The museum retains its old-fashioned charm, offering a glimpse into the Victorian approach to natural history. It’s especially appealing to families and anyone with a love of wildlife.
3. Hove Museum of Creativity
Just west of Brighton in Hove, the Hove Museum of Creativity offers a delightful mix of art, film, and toys. The museum is set in a charming Victorian villa and has a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
Its collections include:
- Toys and games spanning more than a century, including dolls, teddy bears, and model trains.
- Cinema history, with displays celebrating Hove’s role in the early days of film-making.
- Contemporary art and crafts, featuring work by local artists.
It’s a great spot for a quieter, less touristy cultural experience and is especially engaging for families with children.
4. Royal Pavilion
Although often considered more of a palace than a traditional museum, the Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s most important historic attractions. Built for King George IV in the early 19th century, it’s famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and lavish interiors inspired by Chinese and Indian styles.
Visitors can explore:
- The Banqueting Room, with its spectacular chandelier and opulent décor.
- The Music Room, which hosted lavish entertainment.
- The Royal Bedrooms, showcasing Regency elegance.
- Exhibits detailing the building’s transformation from royal palace to wartime hospital and eventually a public attraction.
The Royal Pavilion is a testament to Brighton’s long-standing connection with glamour, leisure, and cultural fusion.
5. Fishing Museum
Brighton’s Fishing Museum is a small but fascinating space located right on the seafront, in the heart of the historic fishing quarter. The museum celebrates the city’s maritime heritage and its roots as a fishing village long before tourism took over.
Here you’ll find:
- Historic photographs and artefacts from Brighton’s fishing community.
- Traditional fishing boats and equipment.
- Personal stories from local fishermen and their families.
It’s an intimate museum that offers a more personal connection to Brighton’s past, making it an excellent stop for history lovers.
6. Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Situated beneath Brighton railway station in a set of Victorian arches, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum is a treasure trove for nostalgia lovers. It’s home to over 10,000 toys and models, with collections dating back to the early 20th century and beyond.
Exhibits include:
- Model trains from the golden age of railways.
- Vintage dolls, teddy bears, and toy soldiers.
- Meccano sets, slot cars, and die-cast vehicles.
This museum is a joy for both children and adults, offering a blend of historical interest and pure fun.
7. ONCA Gallery
ONCA Gallery is a contemporary art space with a strong focus on environmental and social issues. The gallery supports artists whose work addresses themes such as climate change, conservation, and community engagement.
Expect to see:
- Rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists.
- Workshops and events aimed at fostering creativity and dialogue.
- Art that challenges and inspires, often exploring urgent topics through innovative media.
ONCA is more than just a gallery—it’s a hub for activism and creative collaboration.
8. Phoenix Art Space
Phoenix Art Space is a large, artist-led creative hub located in the city centre. It offers a combination of public exhibitions, artist studios, and workshops, making it one of Brighton’s most dynamic artistic venues.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Changing exhibitions showcasing contemporary art across a variety of mediums.
- Open studio events, where you can meet artists and see their workspaces.
- A lively programme of talks, courses, and community projects.
It’s a fantastic destination for those interested in seeing art in progress and engaging directly with Brighton’s creative community.
9. Fabrica
Fabrica is a contemporary art gallery housed in a converted 19th-century church. It specialises in large-scale, immersive art installations, often using the unique architectural space to dramatic effect.
The gallery focuses on:
- Site-specific installations by established and emerging artists.
- Interactive and experiential art, encouraging visitor participation.
- Collaborations with festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
Fabrica is ideal for those who enjoy art that pushes boundaries and transforms spaces.
10. George Street Gallery
Located in Hove, the George Street Gallery offers a more intimate viewing experience. This independent space features contemporary paintings, sculpture, and photography, often by local artists.
It’s a great place to discover new talent and perhaps even purchase a piece of art to take home as a reminder of your time in Brighton.
11. Corridor Gallery
A small but distinctive venue, the Corridor Gallery is known for its contemporary photography exhibitions. Run by the Brighton Photo Fringe, it provides a platform for emerging photographers to showcase their work.
Expect to see a wide range of styles and subjects, often with a focus on experimental and thought-provoking imagery.
12. Artist-Run Spaces and Pop-Up Exhibitions
In addition to the established museums and galleries, Brighton has a thriving network of artist-run spaces, studios, and pop-up exhibitions. These can be found in everything from converted warehouses to temporary installations in shops and cafes.
They often feature:
- Affordable art by local creators.
- Experimental works not typically seen in larger galleries.
- Interactive projects that invite public participation.
These spaces reflect Brighton’s independent spirit and its willingness to embrace creativity in all forms.
Why Brighton’s Museums and Galleries Stand Out
What makes Brighton’s cultural scene unique is its blend of traditional and unconventional venues. You can spend the morning exploring a grand royal palace, the afternoon in a natural history museum filled with Victorian charm, and the evening in a contemporary art space that challenges your perceptions.
Many of the city’s cultural institutions are free or low-cost to enter, making them accessible to a wide audience. They also reflect the diversity and inclusivity that Brighton is known for, with exhibitions that represent a range of voices, communities, and perspectives.
Tips for Exploring Brighton’s Cultural Side
- Plan ahead – Some smaller galleries have limited opening hours, so it’s worth checking before you visit.
- Look for festivals – Brighton hosts events like the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe, which often include special exhibitions and open studios.
- Mix old and new – Combining a visit to a historic site like the Royal Pavilion with a trip to a contemporary gallery gives you a fuller picture of the city’s culture.
- Support local artists – Many galleries sell affordable prints, ceramics, and jewellery made by Brighton-based creators.
