Willis Museum

Discover Basingstoke and Deane's past, from the rich archaeological heritage beneath our feet right up to the modern day.

Take a tour through the last 200 years and meet Pickaxe, a 19th century scavenger scraping a living from the streets and revisit the days of twin-tubs and teddy-boys in the 1960's sitting room. Dig deeper into the area's past in our Local studies area, with large reference collections. Handling collections and free teachers' pack form the core of a comprehensive museum-based education service.

There is always something new to see with a regularly changing programme of Special Exhibitions. The Sainsbury Gallery hosts exhibitions from the most important galleries and museums in the country as well as some of the finest artists in the region, while the Basingstoke Gallery hosts the work of local artists, groups and societies on the first floor. This gallery has restored to reveal many original features, creating a top quality space for community exhibitions.

Drop into the stunning new Café Willis complete with marble fireplace, crystal chandelier and hand printed wallpaper. The café serves a range of coffees, speciality teas, locally made cakes and pastries. Our new gift shop is the perfect place to find a special gift for a friend - or a treat for yourself! We stock a regularly changing selection of beautiful and tempting locally made crafts, ceramics and jewellery that you won't find on the High Street, plus a selection of beautiful greetings cards and products that reflect the theme of our special exhibitions. We also specialise in selling items about the history of the Basingstoke area, including books, maps, local guides and DVDs. Children's quizzes, family friendly and free activities.