What's on in our museums

There's always something new to see with regularly changing temporary exhibitions of art, crafts, photography, local and natural history on at our museums. From the work of local societies and artists; to major touring exhibitions and shows on loan from major institutions. With a whole host of events and workshops on over the school holidays there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Featured exhibitions and activities

Festival of British Archaeology

Saturday 18 July – Sunday 2 August

Join Hampshire Museums & Archives Service as we celebrate the Festival of British Archaeology with Workshops, Lectures, Finds Identification Days and Archaeological Roadshows
Festival of British Archaeology events and activites

Hampshire's Treasures

Did you know we have dodo bones, a three-wheeler prototype car and a fake wedding note by Jane Austen in our collections?

How about a Roman slave token and a 19th century wedding cake? Whether weird or wonderful, priceless or personal, bizarre or impressive, treasures can be many things and collected for many reasons. Come and find your favourite.

Tour dates
The Sainsbury Gallery at the Willis Museum, Basingstoke 23 May to 4 July

Myths and Legends

People have told stories to each other since the beginning of time. Many have survived, long before books were written, through the power of the spoken word as stories were handed down from generation to generation. This exciting new family friendly exhibition will show you how many wonderful stories have developed into myths and legends. You will be able to

• explore captivating stories from around the world
• climb into the head of a dragon and enter the mysterious cave
• visit and Egyptian tomb and unravel the story of the God Osiris
• build your own totem pole and find out about Native American myths... and much more!

An exhibition from Stevenage Museum

Tour dates
Westbury Manor Museum 11 July to 29 August
Allen Gallery, Alton 12 September to 31 October
Andover Museum 14 November to Christmas closure

Magic in the Nursery

Children’s illustrations by Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott

Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott are the founding fathers of the children’s picture book, and this magical exhibition explores their work along with that of illustrator Kate Greenaway, in ways that will appeal to young and old alike. A selection of books, musical instruments and ‘sing-along’ panels will also be on display.

Tour dates
Red House Museum, Christchurch 16 May to 27 June

The ‘70s exhibition…the decade that taste forgot

A fun, interactive and informative look at the poplar culture, politics and attitudes of the time. Iconic items such as TVs, radios and other gadgets, encased in vivid coloured plastic will be displayed in stylish Perspex domes. Original album covers, patterns, magazines and annuals capture the flavour and style of the seventies.

Tour dates
Gosport Gallery 7 November to Christmas closure