Royal Pavilion Museums and Libraries

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Royal Pavilion Museums and Libraries

In Brighton, experiencing its cultural richness goes beyond the surface attractions. Dive deeper into the city’s vibrant history by exploring the Royal Pavilion, museums, and libraries.

signpost in the pavilion gardens in Brighton showing directions to Brighton museum, dome and pavilion

The Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion, a 19th-century Indo-Saracenic palace originally designed as a lavish seaside retreat for King George IV, offers a glimpse into opulence. Visitors can explore its grand banqueting room, music room, and the famous Long Gallery.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Adjacent to the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery houses historical artefacts and contemporary exhibitions, catering to various interests like fashion, fine art, and decorative arts. The venue hosts special events and temporary exhibitions, making it a cultural hotspot.

Within the Brighton & Hove Museum Network , the Hove Museum of Creativity, Preston Manor & Gardens, and Booth Museum of Natural History celebrate Brighton’s history and support local contemporary artists.

Libraries

Brighton’s library network, separate from the museums, enriches the community and tourists alike. Offering access to diverse books, digital services, and special events, these libraries serve as more than book-borrowing spaces, remaining integral to cultural enrichment and education in Brighton.

Visitor Experiences

Royal Pavilion

From April to September, The Royal Pavilion welcomes visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. From October to March, the visiting hours are slightly reduced to 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. 

Standard admission tickets permit entry for one year from the date of issue; for adults, the cost of admission is £18 per person; for children (age 5 – 18), entry costs £11 – concession prices are available for Brighton & Hove residents, and family passes are available from £29

Guided tours are available at an additional cost, and for visitors who want to explore the Pavilion at their own pace, audio guides are also available free of charge. On occasion, Brighton Pavilion hosts themed exhibitions, lectures and concerts, so it is always worth planning ahead by checking the official website for details. 

Family-friendly activities at the Pavilion include storytelling, art workshops, dressing up, and artefact-handling sessions.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is open from Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After paying the admission fee of £9 for adults or £4 for children, you are free to return at no additional cost. Family tickets start from £13, and concessions are made for OAPs and residents. 

Visitor experiences vary, depending on the active exhibitions; check out the What’s On pages for up-to-date information on exhibits, which can vary, from day to week, month to season. Many of the temporary exhibitions and galleries have special interactive features for children; parents can also download free trails designed for children before a visit.

Brighton Libraries

Each library in the Brighton & Hove Library Network boasts its own services and character. Central Library is the main library; it houses special archives and collections, including rare books, photographs, maps, and other local history materials. 

Each library is committed to accessibility and community engagement. Activities and events for all age groups include workshops, storytelling for children, and author talks for adults. 

Joining a library is completely free. For more information, including opening times, locations, and events, visit the official Brighton & Hove City Council website.

Plan Your Visit

The Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery lie in the heart of Brighton, with Brighton Railway Station just a 15-minute walk away. Visitors travelling by car should note there are no on-site parking facilities. 

Only the ground floor of the Royal Pavilion is accessible to wheelchair users, and mobility scooters are strictly prohibited. To inquire about accessibility at the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, contact the information team or fill out the online contact form. Alternatively, you can contact the information and booking team by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to Friday. 

For more information on how to plan your visit to Booth Museum, Hove Museum of Creativity, and Preston Manor & Gardens, head to the Where to Visit Page.

Membership and Support

By investing in the Brighton Museums membership, you will receive unlimited access to the five museum sites, plus shop discounts, early access to talks and events and a myriad of other benefits.

Annual membership fees start from £40, or you can become a contributing member from £250 a year and support the tireless work of the Brighton & Hove Museum network, which is dedicated to ensuring education and cultural enrichment remains as accessible as possible.

You can become a member by visiting any of the five museum sites, emailing membership@rpmt.org.uk

Online Resources

The best way to keep informed on updates about the Royal Pavilion, Museums, and Libraries is by visiting their website, where you will find a What’s On itinerary, be able to search through collections and visit online exhibits. Or you can follow on social media for the latest updates via Facebook, Instagram & TikTok.

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