Collections & Museum

The museum houses three permanent galleries and two temporary exhibition spaces.

The permanent art gallery features work by artists such as Gwen and Augustus John, Kyffin Williams, John Piper, David Jones, John Knapp Fisher, John Uzzell Edwards, Meirion Jones, Nicky Wire of Manic Street Preachers, Graham Sutherland, Fiore de Henriquez and Mark Raggett to name but a few.

Both Gwen and Augustus John spent their childhoods in Tenby – Augustus was born here in 1878 – before they attended the Slade School of Art in London and moved away. The gallery features works from various stages of their artistic careers including two very early works by Gwen, one of which depicts Tenby. There is also a showcase of personal memorabilia including Augustus John’s pipe, Gwen’s crucifix and painting smock.

The temporary art gallery shows both exhibitions by local artists and those aimed at inspiring creativity.

There are also galleries that explore the prehistory of the area, from the Precambrian times through to the Romano-British period (1st-5th century); The Story of Tenby Gallery that traces the history of the town from the 9th century through to the present day and which also explores Tenby connections with the sea. A temporary exhibition space shows changing displays relating to Tenby and the local area.

There is plenty of amusement and entertainment for children and families, including quizzes, dressing up and hands-on interactives and other smaller displays including an area on piracy.

“Tenby Museum and Art Gallery really is the most perfect setting – it’s one of my favourite places to let my mind drift.”

Nicky Wire,
Manic Street Preachers