Museums, galleries and public art

Step back in time and visit Milestones museum to discover life in Hampshire's past.

Thousands of authentic bricks, slates and tiles have been used to create a network of street scenes, complete with period houses, a teddy bear museum and a working pub. Factories and industrial buildings represent local manufacturers, such as Taskers and Thornycrofts. There are over 20,000 individual items in the museum including vehicles, from large steam engines to commercial vehicles, as well as smaller social history objects, detailing the technology and industry of Hampshire’s vibrant past.

Characters dressed in period costume also help to recreate everyday life for the townspeople in a fun and accessible way.

For information on events and opening times visit Milestones Living History museum website

Location: Milestones, Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG
View the disabled access guide for Milestones Museum

The borough is home to a vast collection of public art. Since 1989 the council has followed a Percent for Art policy, encouraging developers to include art and craft in new developments and improvement schemes.

From sculptures to seating, and gates to glasswork, this has resulted in a vibrant range of public art. The brochure below provides an introduction to much of the work on display.

Named after local clock maker George Willis, who established the collection in 1931, the Willis Museum explores the town's history, from its archaeological past to the more modern development experienced during the 1960s and 1970s.

The museum is home to the impressive Sainsbury Gallery, which hosts a range of high-profile exhibitions. The museum also has a year-round programme of family events and community exhibitions.

For information about what's on and opening times visit Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery website

Location: Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD
View the disabled access guide for The Willis Museum.

The Silk Mill is situated in the small market town of Whitchurch on Frog Island in the River Test. It is the last working mill of its kind in the south of England and was originally used to produce silk for Burberry raincoats and legal gowns.

It now functions as a working museum, making silks for interiors and costume dramas. Open throughout the year, visitors can watch the working waterwheel, hear the late 19th century looms weaving silk and view the costume exhibitions. The Mill's cafe and riverside garden offers refreshments and a place to rest and you can buy silk produced at the Mill from the gift shop.

For information about opening times, admission fees and what's on visit Whitchurch Silk Mill website

Location: Whitchurch Silk Mill, 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, RG28 7AL
View the disabled access guide for Whitchurch Silk Mill