Torquay Museum is one of the most engaging attractions in the coastal resort town of Torquay. Designed to offer interactive learning and entertainment for children and adults alike, its exhibitions and permanent collections cover thousands of years of history. Come here to view ancient fossils, see a fantastic collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and learn all about the life of world-famous crime writer Agatha Christie.
The museum was founded in the mid-19th century by the Torquay Natural History society. It would move several times before making its way to its current home, for which the foundation stone was laid in 1874. The splendid building, a Venetian-Gothic masterpiece designed by architect William Harvey Jr., retains many of its most impressive features to this day. Notice the wonderful lantern-style glass roof, which fills the Upper Gallery with light.
Visit today and you will see how far the museum’s collections have expanded beyond their natural history roots. While taxidermy and preserved insects, plants, rocks and shells still feature heavily, you will now see more exhibits dealing with human history. Look for the human fossil said to be the oldest one in northwest Europe. Feel right at home in a faithful reconstruction of a Devon farmhouse from the 1800s and see an ancient Egyptian child’s sarcophagus.
One of the most charming areas of the museum is the Agatha Christie gallery, which is dedicated to the famous crime writer who was born in Torquay. View handwritten notes, clothing and other personal belongings of Christie herself. Learn all about her fascinating life and see historic first editions of her novels.
Most fun of all is the reconstruction of the study and lounge of Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective who remains Agatha Christie’s most famous character. Feel as if you have stepped into one of Christie’s novels as you marvel at the attention to detail in this exhibit, which features props used in the TV adaptations of the books.
Check what is on at Torquay Museum before you visit, as the temporary exhibitions change regularly. Note that opening hours vary seasonally, and there is an entrance fee.