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A museum in Sussex described as a “hidden gem” has been named one of the best in the UK. The i Paper has compiled a list of 21 of the best galleries and museums across the country that do not cost anything to enter. Introducing the list, it says: “From world-class institutions to hidden gems, here are 21 superb spots for a free cultural day out.
” The list includes some of the well-known and popular places to ones you may never have visited. What are the best museums and galleries in the UK? The top museums and galleries to enjoy in the UK without spending a penny, according to The i , are: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – Glasgow Young V&A – London National Waterfront Museum – Swansea Ulster Museum – Belfast National Museum of Scotland – Edinburgh St Fagans – Cardiff Discovery Museum – Newcastle Natural History Museum – London Nottingham Contemporary – Nottingham Fitzwilliam – Cambridge Lapworth Museum of Geology – Birmingham Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum – Hampshire Tate Modern – London Ashmolean – Oxford People’s History Museum – Manchester The Box – Plymouth Hastings Museum and Art Gallery - East Sussex National Science and Media Museum – Bradford World Museum – Liverpool National Railway Museum – York Why is the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery one of the best? The i says the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is a “compact hidden gem”, which “covers a terrific range of paintings, archaeology, fine art, costume and textiles, with nearly 100,000 objects from the local area and the world beyond”. It continues: “Located in John’s Place, a fine, redbrick building originally built as a rather large private home, it was converted into the museum in 1928.
“It includes a wildlife gallery with dioramas of local habitats, a dinosaur gallery, and an ode to life of Hastings-born conservationist Archibald Belaney, who adopted the name Grey Owl.” The museum was one of four winners at the Museums Change Lives Awards 2024 (Image: Museums Association) Exhibition showcasing local artists is still ongoing A special exhibition featuring 18 local artists remains open at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery until April. The exhibition, 'Stories from DEEP TIME', sees artists respond to the museum's fossil collections through various forms of art, including paintings, textiles, sculptures, glass, ceramics, and mixed media.
It launched on Saturday, January 25, to mark the 200th anniversary of the naming of the Iguanodon dinosaur, whose teeth were first discovered in Sussex. Recommended reading: Why this Sussex village has been crowned one of UK's 'coolest postcodes' in 2025 The tiny Sussex village that has become a magnet for the rich and famous The 'unspoilt' and 'pristine' Sussex beach among the best to visit in winter The exhibition is a visual art response by 18 SoCo Artists to this anniversary and the museum's geological collection. Fiona Denning of SoCo Artists said: "In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the naming of the Iguanodon, SoCo Artists have responded to the theme and created a diverse exhibition, drawing art and science together in a very articulate and exciting way.
" The exhibition is free to view and remains on display until Sunday, April 27..
