Art, Museums & Galleries

Cheltenham has been home to many famous faces in history, but none more so than Gustav Holst (composer of The Planets) and Edward Wilson, Naturalist and Explorer who died during Scott's trip to the South Pole. Both are recognised and heralded in Cheltenham through museums.

Holst Victorian House pays homage to Gustav Holst in the house where he was born and raised, preserving the Regency facade and decor of the building, as well as the pianoforte used to compose The Planets piece and many other artefacts too. The museum also holds a number of interactive events throughout the year, including historic baking sessions and children's workshops to name a few. 

Meanwhile The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum displays a host of permanent collections as well as an exceptional calendar of guest exhibits. Of course, a must-see is the story of Edward Wilson and his explorations with Scott in the Antarctic, and there is also a world-class display of Arts & Crafts artefacts inspired by William Morris. Rebuilt in recent years, The Wilson now has four floors of exhibit space, enabling them to host international and national touring exhibits which change regularly.

Cheltenham also boasts a number of public art galleries, and private collector galleries where you can mooch for the afternoon. The Gardens Gallery in Montpellier Gardens is a stylish space, housed in the original Proscenium building - an architectural delight in itself. This gallery is available for hire by local and emerging artists and regularly features new and unique original collections not seen anywhere else. The Parabola Arts Centre meanwhile is attached to the Cheltenham Ladies' College, and is often used as a Festival venue, as well as having a small number of public exhibits annually. The Hardwick Gallery is a more recent addition to the Cheltenham art scene, incorporated as part of the refurbishment at the University of Gloucestershire Hardwick Campus. It features a dynamic calendar of public exhibitions, talks and workshops, with a particular focus on contemporary art.

For purchasing art, there is The Guild at 51, home to handmade artisan pieces, Castle Fine Art on the Promenade, The Whitewall Gallery within Cavendish House, The Paragon Gallery in Montpellier and more. Many are located in the Montpellier shopping district.