The gallery was originally founded in 1923, following a bequest by John Chisholm Towner.
The museum's collection contains the most significant holding of works by Eric Ravilious, a prominent 20th-century British artist.
The building features a sustainable design, including a rainwater harvesting system and high-thermal-mass construction.
Towner Eastbourne hosted the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition in 2023.
The gallery's exterior features a large-scale, colourful mural designed by Lothar Götz.
Towner Eastbourne is a contemporary art museum located in the Devonshire Park cultural complex. It houses the Towner Collection, which features over 5,000 works of art, primarily focusing on British landscape paintings. The building itself is a purpose-built gallery designed by Rick Mather Architects, characterized by its distinctive tiered, white exterior. The museum frequently hosts major temporary exhibitions from international artists alongside rotating displays from its permanent archives. Admission to the galleries is free, though donations are encouraged to support the curation and maintenance of the space. The facility includes a cinema, a cafe, and event spaces for workshops and community gatherings. It operates as an independent charitable trust.
The vibrant exterior mural by Lothar Götz provides a striking geometric backdrop for photography.
Check the website's exhibition schedule before visiting to see if any galleries are temporarily closed for installation changes.
Utilize the museum's audio guides or digital resources, often available via QR codes in the galleries, for deeper context on the permanent collection.
Visit the rooftop terrace for elevated views of the surrounding Devonshire Park area.
Do not overlook the small 'focus' galleries on the upper floors, as these often contain the most interesting historical pieces from the archives.
Closed on Mondays.
