For over 160 years Torbay's explorers have travelled the world - from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic
to the depths of the Brazilian rainforest. 

Now the whole family can immerse themselves in the adventures of these intrepid explorers in the unique
and innovative Explorers Gallery.

Be prepared to be amazed by diverse and fascinating collections, including artifacts from ancient Egypt,
objects from the Orient and weapons of the world.

Challenge your friends and family to a game of Explorers, use your skills to crack the safe code on the
Explorers Trail and claim your reward and have some fun in the Explorers Crawl Tunnel.  









The Egyptology Collection

The Beginner's Guide to Ancient Egypt

An exhibition of ‘wonderful things' for all ages, it includes a mummified boy from about 500 BC, a painted wooden coffin (see Education) and a Shabti figure from the tomb of Seti I, as well as pottery, jewellery and textiles. The exhibition is particularly
suited to use by school groups.

Prehistory

Much of the archaeology housed in the Museum comes from the prehistoric settlement of South Devon. 
Many of the artefacts came from members of the Torquay Natural History Society who were actively involved
with excavating many local sites, often working with the Devon Archaeological Society.

The prehistory collections span a huge length of time. From late Palaeolithic material found at Torbryan
and Tornewton caves to Mesolithic finds coming from the coast between Start Point and Prawle Point.

Also held in the collections are the finds from the important Neolithic site at Broadsands as well as
a collection of fine polished and pecked stone axes, many of which have travelled from Cornwall
although one particularly fine example originates from the Swiss Alps! 

The Bronze Age is also well represented in the collections with bronze tools from the local area.

There is evidence of Bronze Age trading in the form of bronze ingots from Churston, near Brixham, and cremation urns. 

Probably the most spectacular finds come from the Iron Age. The Museum holds the finds from Milber Down,
an Iron Age fortification on the edge of Newton Abbot, a site that has yielded three finely executed bronze animals.

The Museum also houses the largest collection of Iron Age pottery from a single site in Devon, namely, Kents Cavern.

Experience the sights and sounds of country living as you walk through
our Devon Farmhouse Gallery when you take a walk through our reconstructed
1860's Devon farmhouse.

A farmhouse kitchen, parlour and linhay furnished with the famous Laycock collection of
everyday domestic and rural life the gallery transports visitors back to the everyday domestic
and rural life of yesteryear.   

The Agatha Christie Gallery is your chance to detect the real life story behind the
world-famous crime writer who was born in Torquay.

Childhood images and personal items as well as an original manuscript and
handwriten notes transport you to another era.

During the summer months, why not visit the exhibition and then take a cruise to Greenway,
the summer residence of Agatha Christie, to explore the beautiful gardens and vinery.

Ask at Reception for details.














 

 

From steamy swamps to arid deserts, coral seas to frozen waters, envisage Devon
over 413 million years ago and see it as it evolved through the ages.

Including the Kents Cavern Collection:  Prehistoric animal remains discovered and
excavated by William Pengelly from nearby Kents Cavern including the hyena,
a vicious scavenger, a woolly mammoth and the great brown cave bear.