Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Royal Albert Memorial Museum. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a museum located in Exeter, Devon, England, founded by John Gendall in 1868, with the aim of promoting the Exeter Diocesan Architectural Society and the Devon and Exeter Institution. The museum is named after Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the husband of Queen Victoria, and is situated near Exeter Cathedral and the University of Exeter. The museum has undergone several transformations, including a major redevelopment project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and Exeter City Council.

● History

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century, with contributions from notable figures such as Charles Kingsley, William Pengelly, and Sabine Baring-Gould. The museum's early collections were influenced by the Great Exhibition of 1851, which showcased the British Empire's industrial and cultural achievements, and the Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations in London. The museum's development was also shaped by the Victorian era's enthusiasm for natural history, with contributions from Charles Darwin, Joseph Dalton Hooker, and Thomas Henry Huxley. The museum has been affiliated with various organizations, including the Museums Association, International Council of Museums, and the South Western Federation of Museums and Art Galleries.

● Collections

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum's collections comprise over 1.5 million objects, including Egyptian antiquities, Greek pottery, and Roman mosaics, as well as Devon's geology, botany, and zoology. The museum's collections also feature European art, including works by J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Joshua Reynolds, as well as Asian art, with pieces from China, Japan, and India. The museum has partnerships with other institutions, such as the British Museum, National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, to develop its collections and exhibitions. The museum's collections are also supported by the Friends of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the Exeter Museums Trust.

● Architecture

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum's building was designed by John Hayward and William Harvey, and features a mix of Gothic Revival and Italianate styles, with a striking clock tower and a grand entrance hall. The building has undergone several renovations, including a major redevelopment project led by the Allies and Morrison architectural firm, which transformed the museum's interior and exterior spaces. The museum's architecture is also notable for its use of local materials, such as Devon limestone and Exeter brick, and its incorporation of stained glass windows designed by Charles Eamer Kempe and John La Farge. The museum's building is situated near other notable landmarks, including Exeter Castle and the Guildhall.

● Exhibitions

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum hosts a range of exhibitions, from temporary exhibitions to permanent galleries, showcasing the museum's diverse collections and loan exhibitions from other institutions, such as the Tate Britain, National Portrait Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. The museum's exhibitions have featured works by notable artists, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Francis Bacon, as well as archaeological exhibitions on Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The museum has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the BBC, Channel 4, and the Wellcome Trust, to develop exhibitions and events. The museum's exhibitions are supported by the Exeter City Council and the Devon County Council.

● Education and Events

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum offers a range of educational programs and events, including workshops, lectures, and guided tours, designed for schools, universities, and the general public. The museum has partnerships with local educational institutions, such as the University of Exeter, Exeter College, and Plymouth University, to develop its educational programs. The museum also hosts events, such as concerts, theater performances, and film screenings, in collaboration with organizations like the Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Northcott Theatre, and the BBC. The museum's education and events programs are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The museum is also a member of the South West Museum Development Partnership and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. Category:Museums in Devon