Towner Gallery
Latest Reviews
Fantastic gallery with interesting exhibitions and a fabulous café with great views. Particularly liked the local exhibits
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The striking modern building houses several galleries, together with a café, shop and activity spaces.
The large ground floor gallery is ideal for contemporary, sometimes large scale, art works (including on this visit a complete 1960s MG Magnette and a large wooden shed, as well as supersized paintings, video displays, etc) - although unfortunately also (very occasionally - the first time a week before my arrival) flooding. The upper galleries house both the rotating permanent collection and specific temporary exhibitions - most recently the work and career of William Gear (for the latter a fee was required).
The shop is well stocked with many interesting books, including those relevant to the exhibitions as well as other artists, and related objects, while the café (which I did not use as I was staying nearby) seems to offer a good range of beverages and things to eat with them. The school holidays (I assume) guaranteed that the activity spaces were fully engaged with children in a joyful and creative mood (which - along with their art works - spilled down the stairs with them as they were collected at the end of their sessions).
Eastbourne is very fortunate to have such a fantastic (and predominantly free) facility and it was great to see it being so well used.
The large ground floor gallery is ideal for contemporary, sometimes large scale, art works (including on this visit a complete 1960s MG Magnette and a large wooden shed, as well as supersized paintings, video displays, etc) - although unfortunately also (very occasionally - the first time a week before my arrival) flooding. The upper galleries house both the rotating permanent collection and specific temporary exhibitions - most recently the work and career of William Gear (for the latter a fee was required).
The shop is well stocked with many interesting books, including those relevant to the exhibitions as well as other artists, and related objects, while the café (which I did not use as I was staying nearby) seems to offer a good range of beverages and things to eat with them. The school holidays (I assume) guaranteed that the activity spaces were fully engaged with children in a joyful and creative mood (which - along with their art works - spilled down the stairs with them as they were collected at the end of their sessions).
Eastbourne is very fortunate to have such a fantastic (and predominantly free) facility and it was great to see it being so well used.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I loved the old Towner up in Gildredge park, was not happy about the move, went expecting to hate it... but loved it! So much more space, and a much wider spread of work, light and airy and with a good 'hands on' room that always seems to be open if you want to have a play, staff are always enthusiastic as well. But note whilst most of it is free, the 'keynote' exhibition always has a charge, so be prepared!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great space with interesting modern British Artists on show with good information on the artists. Very much one mans vision in the late 1950,s. Also large gallery showcasing local artists works displayed in all mediums. Definitely worth a visit when in Eastbourne.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife, an artist, was enraptured by the exhibitions here. This gallery is new having moved from its old premises. It is rated as one of the finest civic modern collections in the country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing art displays. No admission charge. Three floor packed with interesting things. A perfect refuge on a wet day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love the Towner and visit every time
There is a new Exhibition ... The addition of the Cafe has also meant you can meet friends and pop in more regularly . I also did a Curator tour of their store rooms which I recommend . They are active with all ages and innovative with different events and Community Projects . Well Done to all the Staff
There is a new Exhibition ... The addition of the Cafe has also meant you can meet friends and pop in more regularly . I also did a Curator tour of their store rooms which I recommend . They are active with all ages and innovative with different events and Community Projects . Well Done to all the Staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Impressed with the art/play area for children that was found in the foyer. It kept a 3 and a nearly 1 year old busy for quite a while. My grandson loved the little art tunics that were available, pockets full of interesting little things to make a child feel special and important whist looking at the art.
We will return , minus grandchildren , to look at the art in more detail.
A great place on a rainy day.
We will return , minus grandchildren , to look at the art in more detail.
A great place on a rainy day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fascinating exhibitions and a decent programme of talks, films, art classes. I love the modern building and Eastbourne's seaside charm. Great food in the new Urban Ground cafe too, such a difference. A wonderful, relaxing place to spend a day or afternoon. My favourite moment was when Towner won Bob & Roberta Smith for Museums at Night in 2012 - free art classes all day followed by a rocking club night at the end. Eastbourne's go-to place!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fantastic gallery, well curated and annotated. In galleries often the room information panels are bland, too esoteric or otherwise not that good but we fount the Towner's hugely readable and informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pleasant welcoming member of staff at desk was most informative. The building is wonderful. The Gear exhibition excellent and the open exhibition. I wish I lived in Eastbourne and could take advantage of this wonderful facility.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting building and very interesting exhibitions. The specialist features are often charged but the rest of the rooms are free of charge. Nice cafe overlooking the tennis courts that is not too expensive.
Worth a visit if you have a couple of hours to spare. It's attached to the Congress Theatre so very easy to find just off the seafront
Worth a visit if you have a couple of hours to spare. It's attached to the Congress Theatre so very easy to find just off the seafront
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
there's always something interesting to see in this lovely gallery - this time I really enjoyed the exhibition on the curation of the gallery in the 50's and 60's, and the interesting reaction to contemporary art at the time. And the shop is always fantastic!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is s great space with well chosen & well hung art- mostly free with one paid expo. The collection curated by Gear is instrumental in making this an important space. Ahead of his time, Gear bought key abstract pieces. The accompanying notes are very informative . The cafe is great with stunning views.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
since the renovations this has been a great place to come and visit. Due to the site size, there are a limited number of exhibits on at a time, however they are always very interesting. Cafe is lovely and so is the building itself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful selection of visual material - we stuck to the free exhibitions - but you could pay to see others. Very nice shop too. helpful staff. The café bar is run by local café Urban Ground - nice food and drink on offer. We splashed out on a bottle of Rose Prosecco to celebrate a birthday and enjoyed the café's sunny outdoor terrace.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
despite my attempt to break the door down by opening it the wrong way they let us in! very well designed and open displays with good lighting
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can see very nice paintings in Towner. I went there on a rainy day so I could pass my time in a very pleasant way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful space - large rooms with vast windows, perfect lighting throughout. A really interesting selection of work from local artists and we really enjoyed making our own zine ( a book of pictures from artists that had not made it through the gallery selection process). Very helpful and informative staff. Loved the cafe upstairs with beautiful views, even in the rain, and delicious portugese custard tarts, which we had heard about and lived up to their reputation. A really enjoyable visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Several exhibitions on a changed programme. Links with De La Warr, Bexhill and Jerwood Gallery, Hastings. Follow the pavement signs from Eastbourne Town Centre.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stopped here to see the current exhibition which was very interesting.
Lovely modern interior with space to move around.
Nice gift shop.
Cafe on the top with roof terrace and beautiful views- scones quite simply THE best I've ever tried. Lovely tea and selection of chilled beverages.
Can't wait to return
Lovely modern interior with space to move around.
Nice gift shop.
Cafe on the top with roof terrace and beautiful views- scones quite simply THE best I've ever tried. Lovely tea and selection of chilled beverages.
Can't wait to return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Limited exhibitions on day we visited but still very worthwhile especially the room dedicated to celebrating the work of Eric Revilious. This room changes it's display from time to time we were told. This building also houses the biggest lift I have ever been in! The shop sells, amongst other things, little arty gifts and cards.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not just the Ravilious room with many paintings and drawings but cabinets full of items as well as a tea set with design from Ravilious. Oh if only he had lived
And the hugest lift I have ever seen, like a room!
And the hugest lift I have ever seen, like a room!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a wonderful find, visited because it was yards from our hotel (otherwise we wouldn't have known about it). It's publicly owned, free and full of first class permanent exhibits and well-chosen temporary ones. There's a good shop, a lovely, high level café with splendid views (including the downs and, next door, the international tennis courts (a tournament on when we were there). This was a genuine treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Towner Art Gallery is a must see for everyone not just Art lovers.This wonderful modern building houses exhibitions all year round, free entry, celebrating both the young and the old talented artists in our community. local schools regularly display their work here both primary and secondary and it's a delight to watch their faces when visitors view and comment upon their work.
It has a huge lift that can accommodate all sizes of vehicles used by those who are unable to use the stairs; enabling everyone to enjoy all floors of this fabulous building. Upstairs is a room set aside for those who have been inspired by the art they have seen; you can use freely provided resources to create a masterpiece of your own. You may take it with you or hang it for all future Art admirers to enjoy.I have spent many an afternoon creating alongside my family and sharing our creations with all others in the room. There is also a coffee shop upstairs.
The vast rooms, a huge space downstairs and large rooms upstairs house some fantastic art, sometimes digital and light displays, sometimes large screens with stories to tell. You can spend as long as you like in each room and there are friendly volunteers in each room to answer any of your questions. Children are welcome and are not discouraged from moving around the exhibits and exploring the art; such a welcome change to other galleries that promote the 'children should be seen and not heard' approach. If you stand on the back staircase you can see straight into Devonshire Park , home of Eastbourne's famous tennis contests. The exhibits change regularly so this is not a one off visit place. The internet will give you a sneeky peek at who is displaying on which weeks but I have never entered the Towner and been disappointed by what I have seen. If you live in Eastbourne and have never been , i insist you give it a go.Enjoy.
It has a huge lift that can accommodate all sizes of vehicles used by those who are unable to use the stairs; enabling everyone to enjoy all floors of this fabulous building. Upstairs is a room set aside for those who have been inspired by the art they have seen; you can use freely provided resources to create a masterpiece of your own. You may take it with you or hang it for all future Art admirers to enjoy.I have spent many an afternoon creating alongside my family and sharing our creations with all others in the room. There is also a coffee shop upstairs.
The vast rooms, a huge space downstairs and large rooms upstairs house some fantastic art, sometimes digital and light displays, sometimes large screens with stories to tell. You can spend as long as you like in each room and there are friendly volunteers in each room to answer any of your questions. Children are welcome and are not discouraged from moving around the exhibits and exploring the art; such a welcome change to other galleries that promote the 'children should be seen and not heard' approach. If you stand on the back staircase you can see straight into Devonshire Park , home of Eastbourne's famous tennis contests. The exhibits change regularly so this is not a one off visit place. The internet will give you a sneeky peek at who is displaying on which weeks but I have never entered the Towner and been disappointed by what I have seen. If you live in Eastbourne and have never been , i insist you give it a go.Enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
