Step inside a grand building that once served as the town’s library, funded by Andrew Carnegie, and discover the largest museum in West Sussex. Located near the Grade II* listed St Paul's, this venue blends historic architecture with an extensive collection of local history, fine arts, and archaeological treasures.
Trace the evolution of fashion and childhood
The gallery houses one of the most significant costume and textile collections in the United Kingdom. You can explore these archives through dedicated rooms that showcase the changing silhouettes of women throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, alongside a smaller selection of menswear. For those interested in social history, the Juvenilia collection contains over 900 dolls and toys spanning from the Georgian period to modern times, while the Colin Mears Collection offers a deep dive into the objects that defined 20th-century childhood.
Unearth archaeological mysteries
The museum serves as a repository for all archaeological finds between the rivers Adur and Arun. You can view significant historical artifacts including:
- The John Pull Collection of Neolithic flint mines, which gained fame on the television series Timeiam.
- A hoard of gold coins from Patching.
- An Anglo-Saxon long boat.
- The Highdown Goblet, an Ancient Egyptian glass vase featuring an Ancient Greek inscription found at the Highdown site.
Experience fine art and sculpture
The Art Gallery offers a diverse selection of works, originally rooted in pieces by artists with strong Sussex links. The collection has expanded to include major movements in British painting, such as William Holman Hunt’s Bianca (1869), along with works by Lucien Pissarro and Ivon Hitchens. You can also view sculptures from nationally recognized artists like John Skelton, who created the walnut wood carving The Diver, and others including Philip Jackson, Dora Gordine, and Anthony Stevens.
Plan your visit
To make the most of your time, focus on the diverse scope of the collections; the sheer volume of textiles and dolls alone warrants a dedicated stroll. The gallery frequently hosts lively temporary exhibitions featuring local artists, ensuring there is always fresh content to see in the art spaces. If you are looking for other nearby points of interest, you can explore Beach House Park, Queen Street Fellowship, St Mary's, St Peter the Apostle, or Worthing Tabernacle.
Begin planning your visit today to experience these extensive collections and the unique history of the Sussex coast.