Hove Museum & Art Gallery
Brighton & Hove
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Hove Museum of Creativity
Hove Museum & Art Gallery, also known as the Hove Museum of Creativity, is a testament to the cultural richness, historical significance, and seaside charm of Hove.
It is one of the many principal epicentres of the vibrant arts scene; not only does it display fine art and historical artefacts which depict Hove’s contribution to the wider art world, but it also breaks down the barriers of art and proves everyone has an inner artist.
Whether you want to nourish your inner artist, be a voyeur to local talent or learn about the art cultures around the world, Hove Museum is a one-stop shop of culture; you can also take a piece of that culture home with you by picking up a souvenir at the gift shop!
History and Heritage
Hove Museum was constructed in the 1870s by the architect Thomas Lainson to serve as the family home of John Oliver Vallance, a principal landowner of Hove, with an extravagant Lord of the Manor title, his wife Emma and three children. Following the death of his father, John Brooker Vallance, the Victorian home was named Brooker Hall.
Brooker Hall became a hotspot for socialites; galas were frequently held here, even after the death of John Oliver Vallance in 1893. During the First World War, the remaining Vallance family fled Brooker Hall, but it was still used to entertain wounded soldiers. In 1918, German prisoners of war found lodgings here as they worked at the local gas works.
1924, Emma Vallance passed away, and the dilapidated Hall was put in the hands of the Hove council, who opened it as a museum in 1927. In 2003, Hove Museum underwent its most significant refurbishments, which saw it become one of the most accessible and family-friendly museums in the Southeast of England. Local artists and members of the community were enlisted to create unique commissions for the museum’s interior; look out for the distinct paneling in the lift and decorative metal railings.
Art and Collections
After being donated to the Hove Museum in 1926, the Jaipur Gate, which fuses Indian craftsmanship with English design, has become one of the principal fixtures; no visit to the museum is complete without fixing your gaze upon it.
The film exhibition, which includes a mini cinema, pays homage to the filmmakers who played a pivotal role in the pioneering of modern cinema; you will learn about the ever-lasting legacies of William Friese-Green and George Albert Smith, who put Hove on the filmmaking map for their developments in colour cinematography.
Visitor Experience
Admission to the Hove Museum is free; however, donations are always welcome to support the work of the museum and gallery. Guided tours are available for a fee.
Except for Wednesdays, the Museum is open every day; from Monday – Saturday, you can visit between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; on Sundays, opening hours are reduced to 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility shouldn’t encounter accessibility issues; if you have any concerns, contact the information team.
The highlights of the museum include the contemporary craft collection, which is revered as one of the most significant collections in the UK, the displays which celebrate the history of Hove, and the bewitching Wizard’s Attic, filled with Children’s toys, dating back to the 18th century.
Special Exhibitions and Events
Whether you want to delve into Hove’s history or open your mind by exploring international art, Hove Museum is a vibrant multicultural treasure trove. To supplement the permanent exhibitions, the museum curators move with the seasons to offer unique experiences to visitors.
Children can go on a mouse hunt by immersing themselves in the Christmas Mice at Hove Museum experience, while adults can learn the ins and outs of Japanese stitching, unleash their own creativity on the Heritage Open Days and learn how art is everywhere. For full event listings, consult the official website.
Plan Your Visit
Hove Museum is a ten-minute stroll from the seafront, located at 19 Church Road, Hove, BN3 4AB. It is also conveniently close to George Street’s popular cafes.
You can hop on a bus on North Street or Churchill Square in Central Brighton; the journey should take no more than 20 minutes. If you prefer to travel by train, the museum is 20 minutes from Hove Station, where you can hop on a train from London Victoria, London Gatwick and London Bridge.
Free on-site parking is exclusively reserved for Blue Badge holders. Pay and Display parking is available in the adjacent streets for all other visitors travelling by car.
If you need further assistance planning your visit, contact the information team by phone or email.
Membership and Support
All institutions in the Brighton & Hove museums network operate on a charity basis; your support is crucial to preserving historic buildings and collections, improving accessibility, and funding stimulating experiences for visitors.
You can make a one-off donation, patronise the museum network, or start an annual membership. Membership will grant unlimited access to all five historical sites, including the Royal Pavilion and Preston Manor. Additionally, you will receive a free tour of the Pavilion, unlock a 10% discount in the gift shops, and never have to pay an entry fee to temporary exhibitions.
Online Resources
For more information, visit the official Hove Museum of Creativity website, which will help you plan your visit, give you a deeper insight into the museum’s history and provide details of the temporary exhibits and events.
Follow Hove Museum & Art Gallery on Facebook. Or, to keep up to date with news on all museums and galleries in Brighton, follow the official Brighton Museums page.
