Collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for almost 100 years, Towner Eastbourne sits where the coast and the South Downs meet. Led by Director Joe Hill since 2018, Towner presents exhibitions of national and international importance for audiences in Eastbourne, the UK and beyond, showcasing the most exciting and creative developments in modern and contemporary art.

Founded in 1923 as a result of a bequest by Alderman John Chisholm Towner to create 'an art gallery for the people', Towner is a free and welcoming community space providing places for study and relaxation including a Sensory Room, a new Collection Library and a cinema screening a regular programme of films including new releases, documentaries, classics, family film and more.

Website Update

Services

Hire Report

Combining the inspiring and contemporary environment of an acclaimed art gallery within the stylish surrounds of a modern building, Towner is the perfect venue to host an event. Situated in the cultural heart of Eastbourne, the Devonshire Quarter, Towner is nestled between the town's magnificent seafront and the green, rolling South Downs.

Artist Opportunities Report

We are delighted to be a partner in South East Creatives, business development programme supporting growing creative practices working in Essex, East Sussex or Kent. The programme is for creative, cultural or digital businesses looking to cultivate their skills and broaden their professional network.

Volunteer Report

Volunteers play a vital role at Towner, proactively engaging with our visitors as well as helping us maintain a safe and secure environment within the gallery spaces. They play a vital role in delivering an exemplary visitor experience. Although we welcome applications all year round we generally interview and recruit a new intake of volunteers about four times a year, so there may be a wait before we call you for an interview.

Jobs Report

Towner Eastbourne is currently looking for a new Creative Producer, a dynamic new role with responsibility for implementing and developing the Creative Newhaven action plan. Towner is seeking a Marketing & Communications Assistant. This is an exciting time to join Towner as a winner of Art Fund's Museum of the Year 2020,.

Visit Report

You do not need to book a ticket to enter the building or to visit our free exhibitions, but you may be asked to wait for a short time during busy periods. Tickets for John Nash (timed sessions) are available online and advance booking is strongly recommended. Over 65s, in receipt of job seekers/universal credit benefits, registered disabled, full-time students.

Reviews (13)

Write a Review

Philip Duncan

Jan 25, 2022

Report

As always well worth a visit despite some major alterations being made on the ground floor. Interesting and enlightening exhibitions. Very good cafe with outside balcony.

Robert Anscombe

Oct 15, 2021

Report

The Towner always presents interesting and sometimes challenging pieces/exhibitions.
The Eric Ravilious exhibition is always changing and impressive. Interested to see the designs for Wedgwood - the Boat Race, Alphabet and Garden - in both print/drawings and the final pottery.

Shaz

Oct 12, 2021

Report

Fabulous exhibitions. Cafe is great offering lunches and sweet treats. Such a fabulous place to spend a few hours. The staff are very friendly and mostly volunteers. It was one of the best days out I have had. My first time but won't be my last. The access for wheelchair users is excellent. Well done Towner!

Mark Findlay

Sep 27, 2021

Report

I enjoyed the exhibitions we saw - sadly the John Nash and John Akomfrah shows have now ended, but I guess the exhibitions need to change now and then. Great café, good that it's been expanded although it looks like a studio space has been sacrificed.

Jacqui Marshall

Aug 08, 2021

Report

I visited the John Nash exhibition on 7 August the standard of layout was very well done. There were so many examples of the artists work with information about his life. Everything done to a very high standard.

Peter Ellis

Jul 16, 2021

Report

My last visit was just a toilet break! Staff happy to let me in. But other occasions have been about the art. Collections, specific artists exhibition, local works. All well curated and worth the time. Great coffee and cake too

Michael Duck

Jun 08, 2021

Report

Currently showing excellent John Nash exhibition and also selection from their Eric Ravilious collection good café as well with balcony. All under Covid conditions.

Julie Elphick

Jun 04, 2021

Report

We had a lovely morning taking part in the online art session with Willow & Amy. The session was easy going, friendly and inclusive. My 6 year old daughter really enjoyed the drawing session as well as the clay & plaster moulding session. Would definitely take part again.

Lynne Brown

Jun 01, 2021

Report

The exterior of the gallery wows you before you even enter. Staff are very friendly and helpful. What a wonderful exhibition of John Nash’ work. Such a variety of works from his paintings as a War artist to his work as a botanical illustrator. It’s good that the gallery is busy but not too crowded and you can get up close to the paintings. Love the cafe .

Sue Vincent

Oct 30, 2020

Report

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience here today. Friendly,helpful staff and interesting exhibitions. A real mood lifter on a grey,rainy day. Food in the cafe was excellent too. We will return

Gandhi Rosie

Oct 24, 2020

Report

Museum of the year 2020 for a very good reason! just amazing inside out. Lothar Götz Dancing Diagonals mural is on the outside walls till 31/5/2021. inside is just wonderful exhibitions too. Amazing place to visit, free and soul lifting 👍🏼🌈🖼

Maxwell Scott-Slade

Nov 29, 2019

Report

The David Nash exhibition is really worth the visit, it's set across 2 floors and shows the progression of his work from early to most recent.
I especially enjoyed the piece downstairs made from raw Cedarwood, the smell and size hits you twice - on the nose and on the eyes.

Angus Hamilton

Jul 02, 2019

Report

Excellent purpose built art gallery in Eastbourne. It’s definitely the highlight of the town and for some arguably the only one. The gallery is spread over three floors with separate rooms allowing for different themed exhibitions. There’s also a nice cafe. Entrance is free although donations are requested.

Towner Art Gallery