Salisbury Museum

About

Salisbury Museum is located in the heart of the Cathedral Close and houses one of the best collections relating to Stonehenge and local archaeology. The museum building is impressive in itself being a Grade I listed medieval property where King James I of England was entertained in 1610 and 1613.

The collections range from archaeology to fine art. The archaeology collection is estimated to be in excess of 100,000 objects and digs deep into the story of the region. Highlights include finds from excavations at Stonehenge, the Amesbury Archer and the medieval finds from Old Sarum.

The art on display includes two watercolours by J. M. W. Turner. There is also work by Rex Whistler (1905 – 1944) who most famous for his mural designs at Plas Newydd, Anglesey; Port Lympne and Mottisfont Abbey. The museum has Whistler oil paintings on display and also holds his archive which was acquired in 2013.

The main exhibition gallery has a regularly changing programme, whilst our events include talks, workshops, courses and family activities. Some of these events are currently being held online or offsite due to our redevelopment (see below).

The museum shop offers a carefully curated selection of books for children and adults who love history. The museum also has exclusive gifts based on the collection, and locally sourced items including children’s colour-in textiles, greetings cards by local artists, scented candles, and local honey.

The Salisbury Museum is currently undergoing a major re-development called Past Forward. The works began in March 2023 with the closure of the fashion, Salisbury history and ceramics galleries. The internationally important Wessex gallery of archaeology and main temporary exhibition gallery remain open. Due to the partial opening the museum is offering a 50% reduction on admission prices. We are open every day from 10am - 5pm.