Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Art Destination in Eastbourne
Towner Eastbourne has been a cornerstone of artistic and cultural engagement since its establishment in 1920. Our institution is dedicated to curating and exhibiting modern British and international contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on landscape, women artists, and moving image works. Through our diverse programme of exhibitions, we aim to showcase the most innovative developments in contemporary art, offering audiences in Eastbourne, the UK, and beyond access to nationally and internationally significant works. Our state-of-the-art cinema provides a curated film programme ranging from mainstream titles to independent gems, complemented by educational initiatives that include artist-led workshops, family activities, and community outreach projects.With a commitment to accessibility, we offer facilities such as wheelchair access, induction loops, and relaxed screenings to ensure all visitors can engage with our offerings. Our historic collection, which began with Alderman John Chisholm Towner's 1920 bequest of 20 paintings, has grown to encompass over 5,000 works, including significant holdings of Eric Ravilious and contemporary artists. We maintain partnerships with local and national organisations to enhance our programming and community impact, while our shop and restaurant provide additional cultural experiences that support our mission to be a vibrant hub for artistic engagement.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Towner Cinema
Educational Workshops
Venue Hire
Art Collection Access
Membership Programmes
Online Shop
Private Tours
Accessibility Services
Artist Collaborations
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We offer free entry to our permanent collection and major exhibitions
- Our state-of-the-art cinema features curated film programmes with 4K projection
- We provide accessible facilities including wheelchair access and induction loops
- Our educational programmes cater to all ages from early years to adults
- We maintain a collection of over 5,000 modern and contemporary artworks
What people say
Exceptional exhibitions
Beautiful location
Excellent cinema programme
Friendly staff
Great educational activities
Services
Art Exhibitions
Towner Eastbourne presents a dynamic programme of contemporary art exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists. Our galleries showcase works from our permanent collection of over 5,000 pieces alongside temporary exhibitions that explore current artistic themes and movements. The exhibitions are designed to engage diverse audiences through innovative curation and interpretation.
Towner Cinema
Our state-of-the-art cinema offers a curated film programme that includes independent cinema, classic films, and contemporary releases. Equipped with 4K HD projection and Dolby surround sound, the cinema provides an enhanced viewing experience with regular special events including Q&As, introductions, and themed film seasons that connect with our art exhibitions.
Educational Programmes
We deliver comprehensive educational initiatives that include artist-led family workshops, early years activities, and creative sessions for adults with mental health concerns. Our learning programmes are designed to engage diverse audiences through hands-on experiences that connect with our exhibitions and collections, fostering creative development and art appreciation across all age groups.
Private Art Tours
Our behind-the-scenes Art Store tours provide exclusive access to our collection of over 5,000 works that are not always on public display. These guided tours offer insights into collection management practices and the opportunity to explore works by significant artists including Eric Ravilious, Duncan Grant, and Tacita Dean in our purpose-built storage facility.
Venue Hire
We offer versatile event spaces suitable for conferences, private viewings, and special occasions with capacity to accommodate various group sizes. Our venues feature modern amenities and provide a unique cultural setting with access to our art collection and exhibitions, supported by catering services and technical assistance.
Questions
What are Towner Eastbourne's opening hours?
We are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and on Bank Holiday Mondays during the same hours.
Is there an admission charge for exhibitions?
Entry to our main gallery is free, though some special exhibitions may have ticketed entry with concession rates available.
Can I host events at Towner Eastbourne?
Yes, we offer venue hire for private and corporate events with capacity for various group sizes and technical support available.
Does Towner Eastbourne have accessibility features?
We provide wheelchair access, induction loops, relaxed screenings, and have a manual wheelchair available for visitors with mobility difficulties.
Are there dining options at Towner Eastbourne?
Yes, we have Light restaurant offering Scandinavian-inspired cuisine and Flicker café/bar serving refreshments before cinema screenings.
How can I access the art collection?
Our collection of over 5,000 works can be explored through our regular Art Store tours and selected works are featured in our permanent Ravilious Collection display.
