Opening Times & Prices

TEMPORARY CLOSURE UNTIL SPRING 2025

After careful consideration, the Torbay Museums Trust has made the decision to temporarily close Torquay Museum on December 15, 2024. This closure will give us the time and space to undertake important maintenance works behind the scenes and to refresh some aspects of the galleries, as well as to conduct essential planning for the future of our wonderful collections.
 
We are very much looking forward to re-opening in Spring 2025 and are grateful for all the support we receive. More details around the re-opening will be shared at a later date, but please, do check our FAQs below. You can contact us by email if you have any questions. Museum staff will remain onsite throughout the closure working hard! 
 
Thank you for choosing to visit and support Torquay Museum. To find out how you can support the Museum please visit our Support Us page.

FAQs

The Museum didn’t close last winter. Why are you closing now?

This year we have identified actions we need to take to support the environmental conditions in the museum as these are critical to protect our wonderful collections and the building itself. We need a new heating system and to re-fresh some areas. We also need to undertake infrastructure upgrades to our galleries and back office areas. We hope when we re-open it will be a noticeably warmer museum!

Can you get more support from Torbay Council to stay open?
This is unlikely. In common with many regional museums and other charities across the country, we need to find alternative income streams to give the museum the best chance of having a sustainable future.

Will the Torquay Museum Society continue to host its lectures during the closure?
Yes, these will continue.  Members and visitors will be welcomed for the weekly lectures in Pengelly Hall.

Will the café stay open?
The café will not be open during the closure.

Will there be any events happening?
There will be no events inside the museum during the closure.

Can schools still visit the Museum for workshops?
We will have an ongoing outreach programme but school groups will not be able to come inside the museum during closure. For information contact [email protected].

Will there be more Science Ninjas fun days when the Museum is closed?
The Science Ninja programme will be available as part of our outreach programme. Please contact [email protected]. 

Will you reopen for February Half Term?
At this stage, we do not intend to be open during the half term but keep an eye on our website and socials!

Can I still order merchandise from the Museum’s online shop?
You will be able to continue to order merchandise.

Can I still donate objects to the Museum?
We are really grateful for the interest in making donations. We have a procedure which must be followed when we take items from members of the public. As we have so many items in our collections and our staff currently work part-time we ask that you contact our collections staff at [email protected].

Will the Museum’s enquiry service stay open?
Yes, it will.

Is the Museum available for hire?
This is unlikely, however, it may be possible depending on the schedule of works. Please contact the Senior Executive [email protected]

How can I support the Museum during the closure?
There are a variety of ways you can show your support for this wonderful place. Donations are of course very welcome. You can donate online through JustGiving. Please do follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest and sign up for our newsletter.

We are always happy to receive requests to volunteer and expect to have a new programme in place for re-opening however, we also hope to be able to welcome volunteers in some areas of our work during the closure. Please contact the Senior Executive [email protected]