Towner

About

Collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for nearly 100 years, Towner Eastbourne presents an ambitious and high quality programme of historic, modern and contemporary art through temporary and collection based exhibitions, talks, events and creative activities for as many as 160,000 visitors each year. Founded in 1923 as a result of a bequest by Alderman John Chisholm Towner to create ‘an art gallery for the people’, this founding ethos remains at the heart of Towner’s mission.

Towner’s Collection is best known for its modern British art, including the largest and most significant body of work by Eric Ravilious (1903–1942), and a growing collection of international contemporary art including works by Dineo Seshee Bopape, John Akomfrah, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Tacita Dean, Grayson Perry and Wolfgang Tillmans. Visitors can experience Collection highlights, from painting and works on paper to sculpture and moving image works, in Gallery 1 and the Ravilious Gallery, and through behind the scenes tours in the Art Store every other Sunday.

Towner is a free and welcoming community space providing places for study and relaxation including a Sensory Room, a new Collection Library and a cinema screening a regular programme of films including new releases, documentaries, classics, family film and more. The Art School programme offers creative activities for everyone, children and young people to adults, including drawing, making, designing and film making. A professional development programme for artists of all levels offers artist residencies, mentoring and opportunities for collaboration and showcasing.

The award-winning gallery designed by Rick Mather Architects sits in the Eastbourne’s cultural centre, the Devonshire Quarter. The building, which opened in April 2009, is the largest purpose built gallery in the South East.

Towner Eastbourne is led by Joe Hill, Director.


Towner Tours

Enjoy a tour of the building and exhibitions.

Towner Cafe Bar

Urban Ground at Towner Art Gallery is the perfect spot to relax, meet friends, and enjoy a delicious Direct Trade coffee made from Union Hand Roasted beans.Treat yourself to a freshly prepared light lunch or a slice of homemade cake

Coastal Culture Trail

The De La Warr Pavilion, Jerwood Gallery, and Towner – three of the most exciting visual arts galleries in the UK - have joined forces to create a cultural trail which promises a fabulous weekend of great art, great food.

Tiny Towner Drop-in

Tiny Towner is a welcoming space for under-5s and their parents and carers to play and explore together.

Tiny Towner

Creative play for parents, carers and under 5's linked to ideas and art work in our current exhibitions.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Admission free. One paying exhibition per year; all other exhibitions are free.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Facilities for visually impaired
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Credit cards accepted (with charge)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Gift shop
  • Public toilets

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member
  • Welcome Host

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Tripadvisor

Map & Directions

Towner Eastbourne

Type:Art Gallery

Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4JJ
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Call direct on:

Tel01323 434670

Opening Times

* Open 10am to 5pm
Closed Mondays, except for Bank Holidays.

What's Nearby

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    0.09 miles away
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  3. Contemporary Landscapes, Seascapes, Figurative and Abstract Works by Nigel Greaves FRSA.…

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  4. Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum

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  1. Eastbourne's spacious seafront lawns, hosts many events throughout the summer. Located…

    0.18 miles away
  2. There were 74 Martello Towers built on the south coast between Folkestone and Seaford.…

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  3. Known as the 'White Palace', The Grand Hotel stands on the west end of King Edward's…

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  4. Emma Mason Gallery specialises in original prints by British printmakers working from the…

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  5. Location of Blue Plaque dedicated to the life and work of Proffesor Frederick Soddy,…

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  6. From the Wish Tower to the Pier the main resort beaches offers clean bathing water,…

    0.24 miles away
  7. St Saviours Church
    0.27 miles away
  8. Come and learn about the fascinating history of Wilmington Priory, a medieval marvel…

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  9. Just a five minute walk from Towner and the Congress Theatre, Henry Paddon Contemporary…

    0.27 miles away
  10. Eastbourne's five mile seafront boasts beautiful beaches, three tier promenade, Victorian…

    0.32 miles away
  11. The location of an English Heritage Blue Plaque dedicated to Eric Ravilious, who studied…

    0.32 miles away
  12. The location of the English Heritage Blue Plaque dedicated to the historic novelist…

    0.32 miles away
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Related

Towner AuditoriumTowner Cinema, EastbourneThe Towner Cinema is a cosy setting nestled within the Towner Art Gallery. Opened in 2019, the cinema has a number of new releases, cult films, documentaries, family screenings, queer film & screen classics, there's something for everyone!

Eastbourne Visitor Centre, Welcome Building, Compton Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4BP

01323 415415

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