Friday - OPEN 10:00 - 16:30
04-07-2026 - 10-10-2026
An exhibition of paintings by Sir Alfred Munnings, former President of the Royal Academy of Arts, capturing the evocative landscapes, people and ponies of Exmoor.
25-07-2026 - 17-10-2026
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…
17-10-2026 - 13-02-2027
Explore how migration has shaped North Devon, from Celts, Saxons and Vikings to more recent arrivals. Featuring Museum objects and local family stories.
12-09-2026
Costs: Free
Talk by Lisa Eden, Trustee and Deputy Chair of The Exmoor Society. Booking required.
19-09-2026
Costs: Free
Join curator, Nicole Hickin, for a tour of our current exhibition. A drop-in event - no booking required.
26-09-2026
Costs: Free
Talk by Rob Wilson-North from Exmoor National Park. Free - advanced booking required.
03-10-2026
Costs: Free
With Dr Todd Gray, Honorary Research Fellow at Exeter University, and author of many books about the history of Devon.
02-06-2025 - 31-12-2026
Costs: N/A
Submit your story to help create a rich, living map of Barnstaple!
Permanent Display
The museum holds one of the countries finest collections of North Devon Pottery from the medieval period to present day.
Permanent Display
Barnstaple's largest employer of the 20th century, the S&P gallery includes some of their finest Arts and Crafts furniture.
Permanent Display
The 20th Century gallery features local iconic objects and people’s personal experiences living in North Devon.
Permanent Display
Commemorating the Royal Devon Yeomanry and Devonshire Regiment's roles in both World Wars.
Permanent Display
Featuring the award winning 'Somweir Junction' model railway, the room tells the history of local scenic railways.
Permanent Display
The gallery celebrates the 5262 square kilometre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve including Braunton Burrows and Lundy Island.
Permanent Display
Significant geology and mineral collections feature among the oldest inhabitant of the town, Barney the Elephant.
Permanent Display
The Welcome Hall features paintings of local scenes and notables of the past with some of the best of Brannam's pottery.
Permanent Display
The Athenaeum Library holds original objects and publications from the museum's earliest collections.
A project made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund aiming to bring Barnstaple's history to life by sorting, cataloguing, and researching excavated material from the 1970s and 1980s.
Explore online exhibitions, highlighted collections and object focused stories on our Google partner page.
The community gallery provides groups and organisations the opportunity to showcase a project, celebrate local heritage or commemorate an anniversary.
Opening times are: 10am - 4:30pm | Mon - SatFriday - OPEN 10:00 - 16:30
