Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery (formerly the Portsmouth City Museum) provides an insight into the history and cultural heritage of Portsmouth. Housed in a former barracks built in the late 19th century, the museum offers exhibitions on local history, famous residents and the city’s role in literature and the Royal Navy. The building itself is a landmark, showcasing Victorian architecture and reflecting Portsmouth’s military past.
The museum’s collections highlight the city’s maritime connections, social history and notable figures. One of its most well-known exhibitions focuses on the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created Sherlock Holmes while living in Portsmouth. The museum explores Doyle’s life, his work beyond Sherlock Holmes and his contributions to literature and spiritualism. Other exhibitions cover the city’s history from Tudor times to the present day, including the city’s involvement in the D-Day landings and its naval heritage.
![The rear of the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. The Grade II listed building was formerly the Clarence and Victoria Barracks complex. (Photo: Tim Sheerman-Chase [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/portsmouth-museum-and-art-gallery.jpg)
What to see at the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
Visitors can see a wide range of exhibits related to Portsmouth’s history.
The Arthur Conan Doyle collection includes rare manuscripts, letters and personal belongings. A recreated Victorian study gives insight into how Doyle may have worked.
The museum also houses displays on Portsmouth’s development, from a small medieval town to a major naval port.
Other exhibits include Portsmouth’s film and television heritage, featuring memorabilia from productions linked to the city. Social history displays showcase everyday life in Portsmouth over the centuries. The museum also has a collection of art, including works depicting Portsmouth’s waterfront and naval life.
Visiting the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
The museum is located on Museum Road, just a 10-minute walk from either Gunwharf Quays or the city centre.
The Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. Admission is free of charge.
The museum is wheelchair accessible with a lift to all floors; however, only one wheelchair user is allowed on the first and second floors at a time.
Visitor facilities include a cafe (which closes between 11.30am and noon).
Allow 1–2 hours for a visit to the museum.
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