Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, located on Queen Street in central Exeter, is one of the south west's finest museums. Established in 1868, the museum houses an extraordinary collection spanning natural history, geology, ethnography, archaeology, decorative arts and fine art. Its origins lie in the generosity of Victorian philanthropists and collectors whose donations built a world-class collection of over two million objects, though only a fraction are on display at any one time.

Visitors encounter Egyptian mummies, intricate taxidermied animals, geological specimens from around the globe, Roman artefacts from Devon's past, contemporary art installations and rotating exhibitions that explore themes from social history to natural science. The Grade II listed building itself, designed in High Victorian style, provides an elegant backdrop for these treasures. The museum's galleries are arranged thematically, allowing visitors to explore everything from medieval pottery and Pacific artefacts to paintings by Old Masters. Its collections underscore Exeter's importance as a trading and cultural centre through the ages, offering insights into both local heritage and the wider world.