Hastings Museum & Art Gallery — Attraction in Hastings

An amazing collection of artifacts displayed in a beautiful old building in a quiet area ( approximately 15 upwards from Hastings train station ) and near open spaces and gardens. If you want to learn a lot about Hasting's history this is a MUST. The exhibitions/displays - ( a few interactive ones, not aimed at younger children, but that shouldn't be a deterrent ), retell the history from neolithic times onwards. Find out who was Grey owl, the exploring family who travelled extensively in the 1800's to 1900, enter and see the beautiful ornate carved wood panelled room and much, much more. The staff are extremely welcoming and friendly. There are available toilets, disabled friendly lifts, a gift shop, but no refreshment facilities. However, outside are some bench tables where you could sit and enjoy a packed lunch. Due to present world issues it is essential you BOOK ONLINE to visit. It is FREE and you are able to choose an available date and time depending upon demand. You will be given an hours visiting slot, but l went over this which wasn't an issue. Now start your adventure and book a visit if you really want to learn about ...

We spent a few hours here whilst on a break in Hastings. There is free parking available although we walked up the hill from the seafront which was only a short walk. The staff were very friendly and helpful and entrance was free.

Whilst at the museum, we visited the History of Hastings exhibit, the Agatha Christie exhibit and the permanent collections. What an absolute pleasure it was to wander around and to see such a varied and interesting selection of items. There was lots of written information, laid out in a way that made it interesting and enjoyable to read. Everything flowed really well and we felt able to take our time and really enjoy the experience. Although we didn't have any children with us, it was clear that the museum have really thought about how to engage children in the experience, providing lots of interactive elements, play areas and a huge range of books.

I would definitely recommend a visit to anyone visiting Hastings and we would return again if passing, especially for...

For a free museum it contains an impressive collection, albeit one that veers from one topic to another with not much connective tissue. The information on the collection does need updated and a broader explanation of the pieces would provide a more involved experience but this, I'm guessing, belies the origins of the museum as a collection donated from an insanely wealthy family whose mother sailed the world with the family, collecting pieces wherever they landed. As such, some elements are only a few pieces with little more than a short card saying what it is and where it's from, whereas other elements have more of a narrative to them about what the pieces were used for, why they were used, etc. I think the staff have done a decent job fleshing out what they have and tying in some local history and artifacts too. Very glad I went in and recommend it if you're...