About
Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is a genuine treasure of the south east of England — a large, free, local authority museum that consistently punches well above its weight in terms of the quality and breadth of its collections. Housed in a purpose-built Victorian building on Chapel Road in the heart of Worthing, the museum has been serving the community since its foundation in 1908 and holds over 35,000 objects that span archaeology, costume, fine art, decorative arts, social history, and natural history.
The costume and fashion collection is the museum's greatest strength and a resource of national importance. Comprising approximately 7,000 garments and accessories dating from the 17th century to the present, it is one of the largest regional costume collections in England. The collection traces the evolution of British and European fashion with exceptional completeness, from the embroidered silks of the Stuart period through the hoop skirts of the Georgian era, the tailored elegance of the Victorian and Edwardian ages, and the revolutionary changes of the 20th century. This collection alone draws researchers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The art gallery holds over 2,000 works including paintings, prints, drawings, watercolours, and sculpture from the 17th century to the present. Victorian and Edwardian paintings are particularly well represented, alongside works by artists with Sussex connections and a growing collection of 20th-century British art. The museum runs an active temporary exhibition programme that complements the permanent displays and brings new perspectives and contemporary artists to its audiences.
The archaeology galleries cover the rich prehistoric, Roman, and Saxon heritage of Sussex, with finds from sites across the region that illuminate thousands of years of human activity along this strategically important stretch of the English coast. The social history collections document the development of Worthing from a small fishing village to a fashionable seaside resort and eventually a busy coastal town, capturing this transformation through objects, photographs, and oral histories that bring the story of the community to life.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- The costume collection is the museum's greatest treasure — allow extra time for these galleries if fashion history is your interest. The range from 17th-century silks to 20th-century couture is remarkable for a regional museum.
- With over 35,000 objects across multiple galleries, this museum easily fills a full half-day. Free admission means there is no pressure to rush — take your time with the sections that interest you most.
- Tuesday to Thursday mornings during school term are the quietest times. Saturdays and school holidays can be busy, especially when temporary exhibitions are showing.
- Worthing station has frequent trains from Brighton (20 minutes) and London Victoria (about 1 hour 10 minutes). It is a 10-minute walk from the station to Chapel Road, mostly through the town centre.
- The toys and childhood gallery is a highlight for families — many parents and grandparents find objects that bring back vivid personal memories. Ask about family activity sheets at reception.
- Worthing's seafront is a 10-minute walk from the museum — combine your visit with a walk along the promenade or a trip to the pier. The South Downs are also easily accessible for a post-museum walk.
- The Victorian gallery spaces and the costume displays are particularly photogenic. Flash is prohibited near textiles and works on paper — natural light in the galleries is usually excellent.
- Full wheelchair access with lifts to all floors. A wheelchair is available to borrow at no charge — just ask at reception when you arrive.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The museum holds over 35,000 objects across costume, fine art, decorative arts, archaeology, toys, social history, and natural history. The costume collection of approximately 7,000 items is of national significance. The Victorian and Edwardian fine art holdings are among the strongest in the south east outside London.
Costume and Fashion
One of England's largest regional costume collections, with approximately 7,000 garments from the 17th century to the present.
Art Gallery
Over 2,000 works of art including Victorian and Edwardian paintings, 20th-century British art, and works with Sussex connections.
Sussex Archaeology
Finds from across Sussex spanning prehistory to the early medieval period, with strengths in prehistoric and Roman material.
Toys and Childhood
Extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century toys, games, and childhood objects charting the history of play in Britain.
Worthing's Story
The social history of Worthing from fishing village to Regency resort to 20th-century coastal town.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.