Novium Museum
Chichester's museum, built over a Roman bath house, with free galleries on the district's archaeology and history and a tourist information centre.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Chichester's museum tradition goes back to 1831, when a natural history collection was founded in the city. That collection declined and was sold off by 1924, but renewed local interest led to a museum opening in a former corn mill in 1962. It was renamed Chichester District Museum in 1974.
In 2012 the collection moved into a purpose-built building on Tower Street, designed by Keith Williams Architects after a design competition. The building, now called The Novium after the Roman name of the city, Noviomagus Reginorum, has three floors of galleries, a learning room and a collection store. It stands directly over the remains of a Roman bath house, which are displayed in the ground-floor gallery.
The museum cares for a collection of more than 350,000 objects covering geology, archaeology and social history. Well-known pieces include the Jupiter Stone, the Chilgrove Mosaic and a bust of the emperor Trajan found at Bosham. Most of the archaeological collection is stored at Fishbourne Roman Palace, while social history and geology objects are kept in the Tower Street building.
The museum is run by Chichester District Council and also houses the city's tourist information centre and a box office. Entry to the galleries is free.
Highlights
- Roman bath house remains displayed in situ
- Jupiter Stone and Chilgrove Mosaic
- Bosham Head, a bust of Trajan
- Galleries on three floors covering about 500,000 years of local history
- Free admission
- Tourist information centre inside the museum
Permanent exhibitions
- Roman Bath House gallery – The ground-floor gallery built around the excavated remains of a Roman bath house, with finds from Roman Chichester.
- Galleries on the history of the district – Displays on upper floors covering the geology, archaeology and social history of the Chichester district over around 500,000 years.
- Founded
- 1962
- Operated by
- Chichester District Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
General admission is free and donations are welcome. Booking is usually not needed. Some events and special exhibitions may charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has a lift and step-free access and is described as fully accessible for wheelchair users. A hearing loop is available on request at reception. Registered guide dogs are permitted. There is no parking at the museum, including Blue Badge parking.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
West Street · 2-min walk
Buses stop on West Street outside the cathedral, about two minutes' walk away. The railway station and bus station are about 15 minutes' walk from the museum.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
No parking at the museum. The nearest pay and display car park with disabled bays is Orchard Street, about a five-minute walk.
The museum is on Tower Street opposite the library, a few minutes from the cathedral.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop. The tourist information centre and box office are in the building.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The Tourist Information Centre inside the museum offers local information, accommodation advice and ticket sales. |
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