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Museums #4 in Exeter

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

4.6 · 2,568 reviews
Quiet, scholarly, and spacious.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Albert memorial Museum Art & Gallery, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds a collection of over 30,000 specimens of insects, including significant historical donations.

2

The building's architecture is a notable example of the Gothic Revival style, featuring a central glass-roofed court.

3

RAMM was awarded the 'Museum of the Year' title by the Art Fund in 2012.

4

The collection includes a diverse range of ethnographic items collected by early explorers, including artifacts from the Pacific and Africa.

5

It preserves a unique 'Exeter Book' facsimile and medieval manuscripts related to the local cathedral's history.

6

The museum site was once the location of a series of buildings including the Exeter Savings Bank.

Overview

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) is a multidisciplinary museum in Exeter housing over one million objects related to local and global history. The collection spans from prehistoric geological samples to contemporary fine art. Key exhibits include a world-class collection of insects, ethnographic artifacts from around the globe, and an extensive silver collection. The museum occupies a prominent Victorian Gothic building that underwent a significant multi-million pound renovation completed in 2011. Its archaeology galleries detail the Roman origins of Exeter, formerly known as Isca Dumnoniorum. The museum serves as the primary repository for Devon’s cultural and natural history records. Temporary exhibitions rotate frequently, often highlighting regional artists and historical narratives. The site is recognized for its educational programs and community outreach.

Photo spot

The internal glass-roofed courtyard provides excellent natural lighting for architectural photography.

Insider tips

Use the interactive maps available at the entrance to locate specific galleries as the building layout is complex.

Visit the cafe situated within the internal courtyard for a quiet break during your tour.

Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibition schedules before visiting to ensure access to specific galleries.

What to avoid

Trying to see every single item in the vast collection in one visit, which leads to fatigue; ignoring the smaller, specialized galleries on upper floors.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch non-interactive exhibits; flash photography is prohibited in specific galleries with light-sensitive items.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid school groups and weekend peak crowds.
Address
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Albert memorial Museum Art & Gallery, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX, United Kingdom
50.725, -3.532
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRoman Exeter archaeology, global ethnographic collections, Devon natural history specimens, and fine art.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid school groups and weekend peak crowds..

The internal glass-roofed courtyard provides excellent natural lighting for architectural photography.

Close by you'll find Exeter Cathedral, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Barnfield Theatre Ltd.