The Holburne Museum

ReBalance Bath Kintsugi Workshop - 11am - SOLD OUT
2026-02-08 11:00 (Europe/London) | The Holburne Museum, Holburne Museum, Bath, BA2 4DB, United Kingdom
Learn how to mend once loved china with the ‘golden repair’ in the ancient craft of Kintsugi.
JOIN DOTTY BY DESIGN AT THE HOLBURNE FOR KINTSUGI
Refresh, rebalance and reset: at Bath’s reBalance Festival of Wellbeing.
Dotty has partnered with Bath’s Holburne Museum to run a Kintsugi Workshop.
Rebalance and relax in the fabulous Museum gallery space, learning about this mindful and ancient craft. Mend a piece of china in this practical workshop.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
Kintsugi, the Japanese art of embracing your imperfections. Learn how to mend once loved china and earthenware in this mindful introduction to the Kintsugi method. The visible repairs are seen as part of the history of an object, highlighting the cracks and symbolising fragility, strength and beauty. This golden repair is called Kintsugi.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS WORKSHOP?
Repair and join together the fractures using the Japanese Kintsugi method – applying the resin glue, and liquid gold to the broken sections, making it whole once more. The imperfections aren’t to be hidden but embraced! The Kintsugi method celebrates the beauty of the scars in an object and recognises that the history should be shown and not hidden. Choose your broken porcelain (vase, bowl, plate or cup), and be taken by Claire, step by step through the technique of mending each section piece by piece. This is very much a thoughtful and methodical process….not to be rushed, where each piece is applied and repaired carefully.
THE ALL IMPORTANT DETAILS
We will provide all the kit needed for this workshop: broken china pieces to work on included along with all the other materials. You can bring your own china but we can’t guarantee it’ll be finished on time as the process needs to be done with patience. The class will run for approx. 90 mins at The Holburne Museum in Bath.

Re Lume Lantern Making Workshop (18 - 25 Year olds)
2026-02-07 11:00 - 17:00
Join the Holburne Future Collective at this fun, free drop-in lantern-making workshop! You’ll be making triangular-shaped willow and tissue paper lanterns that will light up the Holburne’s lawn as part of our Relume UpLate at the Holburne on Tuesday 10th February, as part of Bath’s ReBalance Festival.
Come and make for as long as you like to create, chat, and relax in a calm and welcoming creative environment. The workshop first began in Bath Spa’s Locksbrook Campus on 6th February, asking students to create lanterns as beacons of light in times of darkness.
The project originated from artist Jen Hamblin’s Porthleven Prize at Bath Spa University and has since grown into a transformative project at the Holburne. The workshop is designed to encourage young people to come, connect and create something as a community.
All materials are provided – no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have a go!
The event is open to over 18’s only

Cold Plunge at the Holburne
2026-02-01 08:15 - 09:30
At sunrise on 1 February 2026, the Holburne Museum will host a powerful and symbolic Cold Plunge Event in partnership with IceBreakers and the ReBalance Bath Festival of Wellbeing. Members of IceBreakers will take a dawn dip in the museum’s historic grounds to spotlight the growing movement around cold-water immersion and its benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. The event will then open to members of the public who wish to take a cold plunge on a Sunday morning.

Before the Cold Plunge you will join Arron Collins Thomas in a breathwork and Qigong workshop staring at 8.15am in the surround of the Brownsword Picture Gallery before braving our ice baths.
The event marks a unique collaboration between three Bath-based organisations committed to improving community wellbeing through creativity, connection, and accessible self‑care practices.
Please note that all participants will be asked to sign a waiver in advance of the plunge.
All patricipants must be over 18 years of age
There will be a sunrise Cold Plunge at 7.45am which is exclusive to men taking part in IceBreakers
Further information:
A Shared Mission for Wellbeing
The Holburne Museum & Pathways to Wellbeing
As a charity, the Holburne Museum leads Pathways to Wellbeing, a nationally recognised museum-based engagement programme that uses art, creativity, and heritage to support young people and adults with lived experience of mental health challenges and social isolation. The programme delivers measurable improvements in confidence, connection, and wellbeing, placing creativity at the heart of recovery and resilience.
Hosting the Cold Plunge at sunrise reflects the Holburne’s commitment to opening its spaces to the community in meaningful, restorative ways.

IceBreakers: “We Dip as One”
IceBreakers was founded by men who had experienced the devastating impact of poor mental health, including the loss of friends to suicide, and who recognised the urgent need for accessible, stigma‑free support for men.
Their approach is simple, natural, and powerful:
cold water, community, and nature.
Not therapy—yet therapeutic.
Not clinical—yet deeply supportive.
A space where men can show up exactly as they are, without pressure to talk unless they choose to.
IceBreakers has developed The IceBreakers Way, an evolving methodology that enables men to safely access the benefits of cold water immersion without the barriers of equipment, training, or cost. Their vision is to grow a global network of local chapters—groups of men supporting men, freely and openly.
The sunrise plunge at the Holburne will shine a light on this grassroots movement and the growing evidence behind cold water immersion as a tool for improving mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation.

ReBalance Festival: Bath’s Annual Celebration of Wellbeing
The Cold Plunge forms part of the ReBalance Bath Festival of Wellbeing, an annual city-wide programme that positions Bath as a leading UK wellbeing hub. Running in late January and early February, the festival encourages residents and visitors to explore new practices that support mental, physical, and spiritual health—from yoga in historic venues to mindful craft workshops, spa experiences, and talks from leading wellbeing voices, including Joe Wicks in 2026.
The Cold Plunge event embodies the festival’s ethos: accessible, community-led activities that inspire people to try something new during the winter months.

Holburne Up Late: Celebrating David Bowie
2026-01-30 17:00 - 21:00
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of David Bowie
Join a special Holburne Up Late on Friday 30 January, honouring the life and cultural impact of David Bowie, ten years after his death. From 5pm to 9pm, enjoy free after‑hours access to the Museum’s Collecton and reduced entry to exhibitions as well as an exciting programme of creative activity, music and film.
Be one of the first to see our new exhibitions by Don McCullin and Zandra Rhodes at reduced admission of £8, alongside a series of Bowie‑inspired creative workshops.
Design your own album covers inspired by Bowie’s writing practice and craft masks based on his most iconic looks.
The celebration continues in the Garden Café, where DJ Hunky Dora will soundtrack the night with a vibrant mix of Bowie tracks. Amazing atmospheric visuals will be provided by the genius POLYMATHIC
Holburne Up Lates take place on the last Friday of every month, offering visitors the chance to explore the Museum after hours and experience an eclectic programme of art, music and creativity
Free admission to Collection galleries; reduced admission to temporary exhibitions (£8)

Free Valuation Day
2026-01-30 10:00 - 14:00
Lawrences will be at the Holburne Museum on Friday 30th January, from 10am to 2pmIf you’d like their specialists to take a look at your items, we’d be happy to assist with your enquiry.Come and see us! Its Free, just drop in.

Bath Portrait Club: January
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00
Sunday 11 January
2- 4pm | £12.50 per ticket (price includes free entry to collection galleries)
Cost: £12.50
Concession: £7 – Art Fund, NUS Card (Full time student), 18-25 yr olds
Pathways to Wellbeing participants: £5
Art for All! 28 places available
Fast paced and fun, Bath Portrait Club welcomes everyone (not just artists!) to have a go at drawing a face, with sitters changing every 15 minutes.
Based in our beautiful Brownsword Gallery, all materials provided
Giuliana Terran is a Bristol-based artist and teacher fascinated by the human form, @bath_portrait_club

Have questions about this event? Please email a.highley@holburne.org
Refunds are available upon request up to 14 days before the event.

Family drop-in workshop - Christmas Creatures
2025-12-22 10:00 - 16:00
Make your own beautiful Christmas creature decoration to hang on your tree!
£2 per person making – pay on the day

Home Education workshop - Still Life Inspired Printmaking
2025-12-15 10:00 - 11:30
Home Education workshop – Still Life Inspired Printmaking
This workshop is specifically programmed for home educators (5yrs+) to access and enjoy the museum’s collection through exploration and creativity.
Monday 15th December 2025, 10-11.30am
16 places available = £6 per child +£2 booking fee (all children must be supported by an adult throughout the workshop)
In this workshop pupils will:-

Explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions, gathering still life inspiration
Develop observational skills through drawing activities
Play and experiment through creative collagraph printmaking

The workshop structure includes 30 minutes of led activities exploring the museum galleries, followed by a 1hrs printmaking session.
Children with Additional Needs – It is essential to discuss SEND needs your child may have with the Learning and Engagement Officer prior to booking to assess the suitability of the workshop for your child (01225 388568) and the levels of support we are able to offer. The Museum is fully accessible, with an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
Any questions about this event? Please contact education@holburne.org
Refunds are available up to 14 days before the event, they are not available after this time.

Bath Portrait Club: December
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00
Sunday 14 December
Second Sunday of the month
2- 4pm | £12.50 per ticket (price includes free entry to collection galleries)
Cost: £12.50
Concession: £7 – Art Fund, NUS Card (Full time student), 18-25 yr olds
Pathways to Wellbeing participants: £5
Art for All! 28 places available
Fast paced and fun, Bath Portrait Club welcomes everyone (not just artists!) to have a go at drawing a face, with sitters changing every 15 minutes.
Based in our beautiful Brownsword Gallery, all materials provided
Giuliana Terran is a Bristol-based artist and teacher fascinated by the human form, @bath_portrait_club

Have questions about this event? Please email a.highley@holburne.org
Refunds are available upon request up to 14 days before the event.

Family drop-in workshop - Christmas Creatures
2025-12-14 11:00 - 14:00
Sunday 14th December, 11am – 2pm
Monday 22nd December, 10am – 4pm *NEW DATE*

Make your own beautiful Christmas creature decoration to hang on your tree!
£2 per person making – pay on the day

ARTful Yoga at The Holburne Museum
2025-12-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-07 10:00 - 11:00
Yoga is one of the most beautiful ways to reconnect with your mind, body and spirit.

The graceful shapes of asanas, the euphoric stillness that follows each practice — this is art in its purest and most divine form.
At the Holburne, we explore yoga as art therapy through movement, breath and surroundings.
Join me for a soulful practice where art meets awareness and every breath becomes a brushstroke of presence.
See you on the mat — can’t wait to flow together.
Classes take place every Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Brownsword Picture Gallery.

The Global Renaissance by Jerry Brotton
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00
Jerry Brotton is a British historian, author, curator, television and radio presenter, and Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary University of London. This engaging illustrated talk will introduce a global perspective on the Renaissance era during which the treasures in the Schroder Gallery were created. While for many the period is synonymous with Italian artists and patrons, Jerry Brotton will offer an alternative insight into this most vibrant period in history, which saw sustained exchange of goods, ideas and artistic styles between western and eastern cultures that sheds new light on some of the most iconic art works of the Renaissance.

Gift Fair
2025-11-28 15:30 - 20:30
Join us for a festive evening offering a range of thoughtful hand-crafted gifts by our talented community of local artists and makers. Stalls will be spread throughout the museum, offering a range of gifts for all the family including unique prints and cards; handmade jewellery and accessories; stylish homeware; Christmas decorations; children’s toys and craft sets. There will be a range of musical entertainment during the evening as well as festive food and drink.
£1 suggested donation for entry

Rachmaninov Recital: Nurry Lee
2025-11-27 19:30
Nurry is an exceptional local concert pianist who studied music at Wells Cathedral School before attending the Royal College of Music in London. She will be playing a selection of works by Rachmaninov on our Steinway grand piano, which was favoured by the composer himself when he was in the UK.

Image courtesy Nurry Lee

Father Christmas Grotto
2025-11-27 10:00 - 2025-12-23 17:00
Step into the magic this festive season! Meet Father Christmas, receive a special gift, and enjoy a heartwarming interactive experience brought to life by professional actors and musicians. Much more than your typical grotto, the experience offers a 20-minute immersive performance where children and grown-ups help the elves wake Father Christmas and discover how they’re planning to make this the best Christmas ever.
What’s included:

A 20-minute theatrical grotto experience with professional actors and live music, set inside a beautifully designed space at the Holburne Museum.
A personal meet-and-greet with Father Christmas.
A photo opportunity with Father Christmas and his magical musical elf, Sprinkles.
A gift for every child and every adult.

Book at www.fatherchristmasbath.co.uk

Mary Keen: Diary of a Keen Gardener
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for the launch of Mary Keen’s latest book: ‘Diary of a Keen Gardener’

Mary Keen is an internationally-renowned garden designer and writer, and will be in conversation with gardener and writer Jonny Bruce.
Jonny trained at Great Dixter, worked at De Hessenhof in the Netherlands, and has been the sole gardener at Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage at Dungeness since 2018.
Mary’s new book will be available from our shop and there will be a book signing after the event.
Our Garden cafe will be open from 6pm for drinks.

Katy Hessel: How to Live an Artful Life - Fully Booked
2025-11-17 19:00 - 20:00
NOW SOLD OUT!
Katy Hessel, author of The Story of Art Without Men joins us to discuss her new book How to Live an Artful Life. A celebration of daily inspiration throughout the year in a joyful collection of quotes and ideas from artists.
In a world of unwanted distraction, where AI is attempting to replace the human imagination, how can we ensure we continue to look, read, think for ourselves? Who can remind us of the joys of creativity? What can we do to bring the necessity of artful living to our day?
Gathered from interviews, personal conversations, books and talks, How to Live an Artful Life collects thoughts, reflections, creative insights and exercises for every day of the year. Featuring Marina Abramovic, Nan Goldin, Lubaina Himid, Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, and more, each entry offers wisdom from some of the greatest artists of all time.
Katy Hessel is an art historian and the author of The Story of Art without Men, the international bestseller. Hessel writes a column in The Guardian, is a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University and a Trustee of Charleston. She has presented documentaries for BBC, and in 2024, launched Museums Without Men, a growing audio series highlighting works by women artists in museum collections worldwide, such as The Met and Tate Britain.

Bath Portrait Club: November, Austen Inspires
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00
Sunday 9 November
Second Sunday of the month. A special Austen inspired session – expect wigs, bonnets are more!
2- 4pm | £12.50 per ticket (price includes free museum entry to collection galleries and Illustrating Austen exhibition)
Cost: £12.50
Concession: £7 – Art Fund, NUS Card (Full time student), 18-25 yr olds
Pathways to Wellbeing participants: £5
Art for All! 28 places available
Fast paced and fun, Bath Portrait Club welcomes everyone (not just artists!) to have a go at drawing a face, with sitters changing every 15 minutes.
Based in our beautiful Brownsword Gallery, all materials provided
Giuliana Terran is a Bristol-based artist and teacher fascinated by the human form, @bath_portrait_club
Have questions about this event? Please email a.highley@holburne.org
Refunds are available upon request up to 14 days before the event.

Clay Creatures - Drop-in Making Day
2025-11-08 11:00 - 15:00
£2 per item with a small additional charge to fire works. Pay on the day.
Open to all! Take inspiration from our exhibition Sculpting the Earth to create your own miniature clay creatures. Think small and beautiful, inspired by the natural world in this relaxed and open workshop.
Image credit: 'Pelican' by Psiche Hughes

Book-binding workshop - Austen's decor - Fully Booked
2025-11-06 10:00 - 16:00
*Fully Booked*

In this workshop, Bookbinder Kate Holland will guide you step-by-step in the traditional craft of bookbinding. The covers will be made using wallpaper faithfully reproduced from Jane Austen’s house in Hampshire. You will come away with two books that you have made from scratch; a single-section soft cover notebook and a multi-section hardcover sketchbook, as well as all the basic bookbinding skills that will enable you to continue and elaborate at home.

Within the £85, all materials and tools will be provided. Some of the tools are sharp!

Holburne Up Late: Halloween at the Holburne
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:30
Happy Halloween from the Holburne! ✨
Looking for a spooktacular way to celebrate? Join us this evening for Holburne Up Late: Halloween Edition!
Explore the museum after hours and enjoy:
– Creative workshops
– Pop-up food stalls
– A Haunted Holburne activity trail
– Face painting and more!
️ Free entry (some activities have a small charge).
Perfect for families and Halloween lovers of all ages!
⏰5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Family drop-in workshop - A Spooky Tea Party
2025-10-30 10:00 - 12:30
Make a mini 3-D Halloween tea party with all your favourite food – yum!
Suitable for age 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Calm Sensory Workshop, A Spooky Tea Party - Sensory Session
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
Make a mini 3-D Halloween tea party with all your favourite food – yum! Aimed at children and families who will benefit from a quieter creative workshop, paying attention to those with sensory needs. Designed to be relaxed and informal, this session offers the chance to enjoy lovely creative materials in a mindful setting and make a mini masterpiece to keep.

Family drop-in workshop - Cats, Bats and Stars!
2025-10-28 10:00 - 12:30
Create a night-time scene with cats, bats and stars inspired by artist Andrew Cranston.
Beautiful collage and drawing materials supplied.

The Shock of the New: Eric Parry and Bob Allies on the role of architecture in a World Heritage City
2025-10-23 19:00
Presented in partnership with University of Bath

The Holburne’s glass extension of 2011, and our new Schroder Gallery, were conceived by Eric Parry RA. In this fascinating discussion, he will be joined by Bob Allies, renowned architect who was appointed the City of Bath’s first ‘Architect in Residence’ in 2024. Together they will reflect on the challenges and opportunities for design excellence in a UNESCO World Heritage City. The conversation will be moderated by Marion Harney, Associate Dean, Education, Faculty of Engineering and Design at University of Bath.

Bath Portrait Club: October
2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00
Sunday 12 October
Second Sunday of the month
2- 4pm | £12.50 per ticket (price includes free museum entry to collection galleries)
Cost: £12.50
Concession: £7 – Art Fund, NUS Card (Full time student), 18-25 yr olds
Pathways to Wellbeing participants: £5
Art for All! 28 places available
Fast paced and fun, Bath Portrait Club welcomes everyone (not just artists!) to have a go at drawing a face, with sitters changing every 15 minutes.
Based in our beautiful Brownsword Gallery, all materials provided
Giuliana Terran is a Bristol-based artist and teacher fascinated by the human form, @bath_portrait_club

Have questions about this event? Please email a.highley@holburne.org
Refunds are available upon request up to 14 days before the event.

World Mental Health Day at the Holburne
2025-10-11 10:30 - 15:30
Join us for a day of community connection, creativity and wellbeing, as we mark World Mental Health Day 2025.

All welcome!
Discover fun and creative ways to support your wellbeing in the beautiful surroundings of the Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens. Lots on offer throughout the day:
⭐ Creative workshops (Printmaking, Make a Dreamcatcher, Nature-based craft & more) including a drop-in session for young people and adults (11+ yrs and over) from 2-3pm
⭐ Wellbeing sessions (Mindfulness, Breathwork, Stress busting & more)
⭐ Mindful walk in Sydney Gardens with Ecowild
⭐ Storytelling workshop
⭐ Advice & info from 20+ local support services
⭐ Blood pressure checks with a community pharmacist
Plus, music in the Picture Gallery:
⭐ 1.30-3pm Bath Tub Community Orchestra
⭐ 3-3.30pm Choir (Soundwell Singing for Wellbeing Group)
Please collect a FREE wristband when you arrive (at the front of the museum from 10.30am). Your wristband will give you access to:
❤️ All activities and workshops (these will be offered first come, first served, see timetable on the day)
❤️ The whole museum, including exhibitions!
❤️ Delicious soup and roll made by Bath City Farm.
This event is hosted by the Holburne (Pathways to Wellbeing), in partnership with Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust, Bath City Farm, Bath Mind, BaNES Parent & Carer Forum, Wellbeing Courses, Soundwell Music Therapy & the Assembly Rooms.

Scent and Sensibility: Exploring colonial legacies through aromatherapy
2025-10-09 10:30 - 13:00
Scent and Sensibility: Exploring colonial legacies through aromatherapy
Thursday 9 October | 10.30am – 1pm | £25pp*
Explore the hidden legacies of colonialism in the museum’s collection – through scent. In this unique sensory workshop, aromatherapist and botanical perfumer Lindsay Woodman invites you to engage with these histories in an embodied way. Drawing on her creative response to our collection, Lindsay will guide you in making your own therapeutic pulse-point perfume to take home.
* A £2 booking fee is added to all tickets, ticket includes museum entry and all materials.
Refunds are available up to 14 days before this event, they are not available after this time.
For any queries relating to this event please contact education@holburne.org

Teatime Talk - Jane Austen: The Secret Radical with Helena Kelly
2025-10-03 15:00
Almost everything we think we know about Jane Austen is wrong, according to the author Helena Kelly. Instead, she introduces the reader to a passionate woman living in an age of revolution; who used her writing to grapple with the weightiest of subjects – feminism, slavery, abuse, the power of the Church, even evolution – at a time when to write about such things directly was seen as akin to treason. Uncovering a radical, spirited and politically engaged Austen, Jane Austen, The Secret Radical will encourage you to read Jane, all over again.
