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All exhibitions

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Exhibition launch event: The Peopling of North Devon

16th October, 2026-16th October, 2026

An invitation to celebrate the opening our new exhibition over a glass of wine. Drop-in | No booking required.

North Devon’s Home Front Writers, 1937-45

25th July, 2026-17th October, 2026

Reflecting on the lives of people visiting and living in North Devon during a significant period in history, as captured in the nation's Mass Observation…

Curious Creators: Craft your own ideal home this October Half Term!

28th October, 2026-28th October, 2026

Come and create your own ideal home! A family-friendly day of craft activities led by our team. Drop in and free to attend.

A Spooky Night at the Museum! Family-friendly fun!

28th October, 2026-28th October, 2026

Family-friendly spooky fun at the Museum after hours! Two sessions: 5.30-6.30pm | 6.30-7.30pm | £2 per child | Adults free.

Talk: The Peopling of Barnstaple: America, Africa and Ireland, 1500 to 1650

7th November, 2026-7th November, 2026

With Dr Todd Gray, Honorary Research Fellow at Exeter University, and author of many books about the history of Devon.

Call for stories: Help us map the heart of Barnstaple

2nd June, 2025-31st December, 2026

Submit your story to help create a rich, living map of Barnstaple!

For A Time: Sanctuary Seekers in North Devon

24th October, 2026-2nd January, 2027

Co-curated with The Pickwell Foundation, featuring photographs by Toby Adamson and words by Mark Read documenting personal stories of asylum seekers in Ilfracombe, 2022-2023.

The Peopling of North Devon

17th October, 2026-30th January, 2027

Explore how migration has shaped North Devon, from Celts, Saxons and Vikings to more recent arrivals. Featuring Museum objects and local family stories.

Welcome Hall

Permanent Display

The Welcome Hall features paintings of local scenes and notables of the past with some of the best of Brannam's pottery.

Shapland and Petter

Permanent Display

Barnstaple's largest employer of the 20th century, the S&P gallery includes some of their finest Arts and Crafts furniture.

Pre-History Rocks

Permanent Display

Significant geology and mineral collections feature among the oldest inhabitant of the town, Barney the Elephant.

North Devon Biosphere

Permanent Display

The gallery celebrates the 5262 square kilometre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve including Braunton Burrows and Lundy Island.

Athenaeum Library

Permanent Display

The Athenaeum Library holds original objects and publications from the museum's earliest collections.

Military Rooms

Permanent Display

Commemorating the Royal Devon Yeomanry and Devonshire Regiment's roles in both World Wars.

Railway Room

Permanent Display

Featuring the award winning 'Somweir Junction' model railway, the room tells the history of local scenic railways.

North Devon in the 20th Century

Permanent Display

The 20th Century gallery features local iconic objects and people’s personal experiences living in North Devon.

North Devon Art Pottery

Permanent Display

The museum holds one of the countries finest collections of North Devon Pottery from the medieval period to present day.

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