The city of Southampton has plenty for visitors and locals to see and do, and one thing there’s
certainly no shortage of is museums! Tourists can find out more about the city’s long history, its important
relationship with both the sea and the sky, and much more, in the variety of museums in Southampton.
Museum of Archaeology and God’s House Tower
The Museum of Archaeology in Southampton is an excellent museum with some great exhibits and collections on show,
though when you visit this museum you also get to experience the interesting building in which it is housed.
God’s House Tower is an historic building. In fact it is actually two buildings that have been merged together. The
first, a gatehouse, was built in the 13th century, then two hundred or so years later a two storey gallery and a
three storey tower were added. The building adopted the name of a nearby hospital, called God’s House.
Having been used for a variety of important roles, it was decided in 1957 that it would be converted into the
Museum of Archaeology, which opened its doors to the public in 1961.
This Southampton museum is now home to one of the best collections of archaeology from around England and treats
visitors to the interesting history of the city from Roman times right through to Victorian times.
The Maritime Museum
Southampton has always had an important relationship with the sea, and visitors to the city can find out more about
this part of Southampton’s heritage at the Maritime Museum.
There are interesting exhibitions and displays here including special exhibits on the large liners that have called
Southampton home. These include the Titanic, and the Maritime Museum features a permanent Titanic exhibition,
called ‘Titanic - Southampton Remembers’. This focuses on the crew members and passengers who lost their lives as
many of them were Southampton residents.
Medieval Merchant’s House
Unfortunately as Southampton was such a prime target for bombing during the Second World War, many of the city’s
great historical buildings were destroyed, however some do still remain. The Medieval Merchant’s House is one that
did survive and is now one of England’s oldest surviving merchant’s houses.
Construction of this house began way back in the year 1290 by merchant John Fortin. The building served as both a
home and a place of business and is situated on a street that was one of the busiest in Southampton at that
time.
Visitors can enjoy a tour of this historic building and popular Southampton museum. It has been restored and
furnished to how it would have been in the mid 14th century.
Solent Sky (Southampton Hall of Aviation)
Many visitors to Southampton are well aware of the important part that the sea has played in the city’s history,
but not so many are aware of the relationship with the sky too.
The Hall of Aviation, also known as Solent Sky, is situated near to Southampton’s popular Ocean Village, and
focuses on portraying the history of aviation in the Solent area. There are some fabulous old aircraft on display
here, as well as engines and a number of other major exhibits too.
National Motor Museum
The National Motor Museum, in Beaulieu, is one of the Southampton area’s best known museums and also one of the
most popular visitor attractions in the south east of England. Situated in the beautiful New Forest near the town
of Brockenhurst, the National Motor Museum is less than a 30 minute drive from the city centre.
In addition to the National Motor Museum, visitors can also see the Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and an assortment
of changing special exhibitions throughout the year.
More Southampton Museums
The museums above are just some of the most popular museums in Southampton. The city has even more museums than
this to visit, and many other fun and interesting attractions too.
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