Willis Museum

Basingstoke’s Willis Museum, housed in the Old Town Hall, is in the historic heart of Basingstoke close to Festival Place, the busy town centre. Discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past, from the rich archaeological heritage beneath our feet right up to the modern day. There is always something new to see with a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions, workshops, talks and events, plus Family Friendly activities, cafe, and gifts.

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  The museum will close 27 September - 6 December for the refurbishment of the ground floor, the creation of the Sainsbury Gallery and roof repair The Sainsbury Gallery will be designed to the highest security standards to display material from the most important galleries, museums and private collections in the country.

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  The Story of Basingstoke Gallery
  Travel back in time to experience some of the changes that created the Basingstoke we know today. Meet Pickaxe, a 19th century farm worker forced to scrape a living as a scavenger. Our 1960s sitting room and kitchen transports you back to the days of teddy boys and twin tubs.

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  Beneath Our Feet Gallery
  Discover Basingstoke and Deane's rich archaeological heritage including the unusual Iron Age burial found at Viables, the Roman burial from Winklebury and reconstructions of nationally important Saxon buildings at Cowderys Down.

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  Top Floor Gallery
  Featuring specialist collections of Toby Jugs, Radios and Tape Recorders, Toys, Medical Equipment, Basingstoke Bottles, Globes and the Old Town Hall Turret Clock.

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  The George Willis Gallery
  Featuring fascinating objects acquired by Mr Willis during his career as a clock maker and jeweller as well as objects of great local significance given to the Museum during his time as Curator.
  Find out more about some of the unusual objects in the George Willis Gallery.