Please note: Due to operational reasons, some exhibits, galleries and areas of our museum may have to close early on certain times and dates. This may also be at short notice. We will endeavour to keep this page up to date with any closures, but if there is something specific you wish to see or do at our museums, please call ahead on 023 9283 4779 before making the journey. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but will only close when it is absolutely necessary and we have no alternative. Many thanks for your understanding.
Portsmouth Museum
Museum Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2LJ
Telephone:
During normal opening hours (see below): 023 9283 4779
At other times: 023 9282 6722 (Visitor Information Centre and museum switchboard)
Opening Times
April - September: 10.00am - 5.30pm.
October - March: 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Open Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Closed on Mondays (except Bank Holidays).
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Museum shop closes 15 minutes before closing time. Due to operational reasons, some galleries may be closed. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. To find out what will be open ahead of your visit, please call 023 9283 4779.
The Records Office and Searchroom have now moved to the Portsmouth History Centre at the Central Library. Click here for opening times.
Parking
Free car parking in the grounds of the museum. Coaches may park in St George's Road (100 yards from the museum).
Park and ride
Find out more here about Portsmouth's park and ride services. The bus goes to the City Centre and The Hard, from the car park in the north of Portsmouth.
Catering
The cafe is now open serving a full menu of cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks. Please call 023 9283 4779 for more information.
Shop
Specialising in local history and decorative arts including local arts & crafts, gifts, souvenirs, greeting cards, fine art prints, toys, glassware, china and an extensive book section.
Length of Stay and Group Sizes
The typical visit time by a group is 1-1½ hours. The recommended maximum number arriving at any one time is 60. When visiting 'Story of Portsmouth', 'Portsmouth at Play' or temporary exhibitions, it is advisable to spilt into smaller groups of 15/20 within the museum to avoid overcrowding. All groups wishing to attend our events must be pre-booked, and it may not be possible for groups to book places during our busiest events.
Free Admission
Please note, children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Groups please book in advance.
Educational Groups
Schools please book in advance, telephone 023 9283 4744 / 4737 for reservations or send an email. If calling at weekends or when the group booking department is unavailable, please contact Portsmouth Museum directly
Toilets
Toilets are available on the first floor (including accessible toilet combined with baby changing facilities on the ground floor).
Garden Games
Visitors are welcome to borrow from the museum's range of garden games to play in the grounds. We have: noughts and crosses, wooden skittles, giant dominoes, velcro ball, 4-in-a-row, croquet, quoits and ludo. A £5 returnable deposit is required to borrow any games.
