Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery

Hampshire

Type:Museum

Market Place, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7QD

Tel: 01256 465902

Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery

About

Since 1984, the Willis Museum has been housed in this impressive early Victorian building that was once Basingstoke’s Town Hall.

It is named after George Willis, a local clockmaker, antiquarian and former Mayor of Basingstoke, who became the first honorary curator when the original museum was established in the Mechanics Institute in New Street in 1931.

The building you see today replaced the original Mote Hall (meeting place) where Jane Austen attended dances. This replacement Town Hall was designed by Lewis Wyatt and was open on the ground floor, serving as the town’s Corn Exchange and Market.

Centrally located at the Top of the Town, in the Willis Museum you will discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past, from the rich archaeological heritage beneath our feet right up to the modern day. Throughout the year, we also run a programme of touring exhibitions, as well as fun events, workshops and activities for all the family to enjoy
 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free admissionFree

Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Wheelchair user accessible

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Event Venue
  • LGBT Friendly
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (charge) - Public parking nearby (charge)

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - 1 Hour
  • Groups Accepted
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre
  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups - By arrangement

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Awards

  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Gold Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Gold 2023

Opening Times

Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed
Wednesday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00

* Café Willis closes half an hour before closing time

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