VALE & DOWNLAND

At the Vale & Downland, you’ll discover so much more than a museum! From fossils to a Formula One racing car, we have objects and stories to fascinate all ages.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Our vibrant and frequently changing programme of exhibitions and events ensures there is always something new to see and do for families and schools.

CAFÉ & SHOP

Whilst you are here you can also enjoy delicious home-made cakes and lunches served in the Café. Our shop also stocks a range of books, gifts, toys and souvenirs.

Welcome to the Vale & Downland Museum

We are open Monday to Saturday 9.30am • Last admission to the Galleries is 3.30pm • Admission is free.

The Vale and Downland Museum is located in the busy market town of Wantage in Oxfordshire, UK.

The museum has been nationally acclaimed as an outstanding example of community partnership.

The range of services is very broad ranging, from galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, to a café with a delightful terrace and garden.

It also acts as a springboard for residents and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside around Wantage.

Admission to the museum galleries is free but we welcome donations. (suggested donation of £5)

We have lots of exciting events taking place at the museum throughout the year.

See below for our upcoming and current events. For a calendar of events, check out our ‘What’s On’ page!

Week of May 6th

  • - Closed
    Closed

    Closed

    –
    6th May 2024

    The Museum and Café are closed today.

  • - Light on the Landscape Exhibition
    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    –
    7th May 2024

    Local artists Jill Smith and Patsy Jones are back at the museum for the 2024 Artweeks* exhibition.

    Come along to see a wide variety of vibrant paintings, linocuts, prints and cards featuring Oxfordshire landscapes, coastal scenes and more.

    Tuesday 7th - Saturday 25th May. Open during normal museum opening times.

    Come along to meet the artists on Saturday 18th May 11am - 1.30pm & Tuesday 21st May 11am - 1.30pm

    Free admission but donations to the museum are welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    *Artweeks locations 498 & 499

    Jill Smith

    Click on an image to enlarge

     

     

     

     

     

    Patsy Jones

    Click on an image to enlarge

  • - Light on the Landscape Exhibition
    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    –
    8th May 2024

    Local artists Jill Smith and Patsy Jones are back at the museum for the 2024 Artweeks* exhibition.

    Come along to see a wide variety of vibrant paintings, linocuts, prints and cards featuring Oxfordshire landscapes, coastal scenes and more.

    Tuesday 7th - Saturday 25th May. Open during normal museum opening times.

    Come along to meet the artists on Saturday 18th May 11am - 1.30pm & Tuesday 21st May 11am - 1.30pm

    Free admission but donations to the museum are welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    *Artweeks locations 498 & 499

    Jill Smith

    Click on an image to enlarge

     

     

     

     

     

    Patsy Jones

    Click on an image to enlarge

  • - Light on the Landscape Exhibition
    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    –
    9th May 2024

    Local artists Jill Smith and Patsy Jones are back at the museum for the 2024 Artweeks* exhibition.

    Come along to see a wide variety of vibrant paintings, linocuts, prints and cards featuring Oxfordshire landscapes, coastal scenes and more.

    Tuesday 7th - Saturday 25th May. Open during normal museum opening times.

    Come along to meet the artists on Saturday 18th May 11am - 1.30pm & Tuesday 21st May 11am - 1.30pm

    Free admission but donations to the museum are welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    *Artweeks locations 498 & 499

    Jill Smith

    Click on an image to enlarge

     

     

     

     

     

    Patsy Jones

    Click on an image to enlarge

  • - Light on the Landscape Exhibition and 1 other event
    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    –
    10th May 2024

    Local artists Jill Smith and Patsy Jones are back at the museum for the 2024 Artweeks* exhibition.

    Come along to see a wide variety of vibrant paintings, linocuts, prints and cards featuring Oxfordshire landscapes, coastal scenes and more.

    Tuesday 7th - Saturday 25th May. Open during normal museum opening times.

    Come along to meet the artists on Saturday 18th May 11am - 1.30pm & Tuesday 21st May 11am - 1.30pm

    Free admission but donations to the museum are welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    *Artweeks locations 498 & 499

    Jill Smith

    Click on an image to enlarge

     

     

     

     

     

    Patsy Jones

    Click on an image to enlarge

    Book Group

    Book Group

    –
    10th May 2024

    The museum book group meet in the museum café every second Friday of the month at 2pm.

    The friendly group read a wide range of books, chosen by members and enjoy an insightful discussion about each book.

    It is completely free to join and attend but we do ask you support the museum café.

    If you would like more information about joining, please speak to our reception team at the museum or email info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk

    Suitable for adults only.

  • - Light on the Landscape Exhibition
    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    Light on the Landscape Exhibition

    –
    11th May 2024

    Local artists Jill Smith and Patsy Jones are back at the museum for the 2024 Artweeks* exhibition.

    Come along to see a wide variety of vibrant paintings, linocuts, prints and cards featuring Oxfordshire landscapes, coastal scenes and more.

    Tuesday 7th - Saturday 25th May. Open during normal museum opening times.

    Come along to meet the artists on Saturday 18th May 11am - 1.30pm & Tuesday 21st May 11am - 1.30pm

    Free admission but donations to the museum are welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    *Artweeks locations 498 & 499

    Jill Smith

    Click on an image to enlarge

     

     

     

     

     

    Patsy Jones

    Click on an image to enlarge

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Hannah

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“Lovely local museum. Interesting galleries, yummy cafe and good craft activities for all the family.”

Lucy

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“What a great museum we have in Wantage. It’s the best. Today was a Science exhibition and was totally amazing. Well done. Keep up the great work.”

Sean

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“A nice Museum for a nice little town and the staff is always happy to help. I recommend all friends and family should visit the museum it’s well worth it.”