The Museum

Torquay Museum is Devon's oldest established Museum still operating, founded in 1845 and still owned and run by Torquay Natural History Society, in 2004 the Society will celebrate its 160th birthday. The current Museum building was begun in 1874 and within two years the building was in use. The Museum has been extended and revamped many times in its history. In 1894 the Pengelly Lecture Hall was constructed, this is still used today to hold weekly meetings. Perhaps the largest revamp came in 2001 when a Heritage Lottery Grant allowed major structural work, including the introduction of a lift, full disabled access, the construction of a café, shop, and refurbishment of the entrance hall and galleries.

History
When the Torquay Natural History Society was founded in 1844 its members almost immediately realised the need for a Museum in which to display their collections.

Before the Society moved to its permanent premises in Torwood Street (now Babbacombe Road) its Museum was relocated several times. It first began life in Glen Cottage (now Parkmount) in Park Hill Road - the home of Dr Battersby (one of the founding members), however as the collections grew it was realised that a private residence was wholly inadequate. Thus in 1846 the Museum was moved to Torquay Club House (later Buckingham House) in Higher Terrace (now Terrace Road), which it shared with the Public Library.

Services
Torquay Museum can provide many different services
Pengelly Hall lecture theatre for hire for a variety of functions
Small function rooms for teaching and activities
Object identification undertaken by our Curatorial staff*
Local history and object research*
Provide photographs and illustrations for publications
Provide objects for film and television projects
Provide a location for television and filming

Admission

	Single	Groups 10+1	Joint ticket with Kents Cavern	Season
Adults	£ 3.00	£ 2.55	£ 7.20	£ 5.00
Children/Students	£ 1.50	£ 1.00	£ 4.20	£ 3.00
Concessions	£ 2.00	£ 1.70	£ 5.60	£ 4.00
Families	£ 7.50		£ 21.50