Our Story
Bath’s first art museum
The Holburne was founded in 1882, with Sir William Holburne’s collection of 16th– and 17th-century Italian and Dutch paintings, silver, sculpture, furniture, porcelain and decorative objects.
This Collection has been added to over the years and includes 18th-century paintings by leading British artists including Gainsborough, Lawrence, Ramsay, Stubbs and Zoffany, as well as more contemporary artworks.
We hold an ambitious programme of temporary exhibitions, bringing great art of all periods to Bath, setting the art of the past in dialogue with contemporary practice in exciting and dynamic ways.
The Holburne is an independent charity with no core government funding. We rely on the generosity of our visitors, donors, Friends, volunteers and partners to deliver our exhibitions and care for our collection.
Set in a beautiful Grade-I listed building, surrounded by the UK’s only remaining Georgian Pleasure Gardens, the Holburne is a must-see on your next visit to Bath.
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