The Salisbury Museum

About

The Salisbury Museum, situated in the historic King's House opposite Salisbury Cathedral, is a treasure trove of Wiltshire’s past. Acclaimed for its archaeological holdings, the museum showcases everything from prehistoric Stonehenge artifacts to Norman‑era relics, including the famed Amesbury Archer – a Bronze Age skeleton that arrived in the British landscape around 2,300 BC. In 2014 the brand‑new New Wessex Gallery of Archaeology opened, offering a worldwide‑recognised narrative of Salisbury from human occupation to the Norman Conquest. Besides archaeology, the museum presents a fine art collection of over 4,000 paintings, prints and decorative pieces spanning local scenes to celebrated artists. Its collection also features a celebrated costume range, ceramics, and a precious archive of Rex Whistler’s work, while the long‑standing medieval statue, The Salisbury Giant, attracts visitors with its 12‑foot presence and links to local folklore. Summer exhibitions are a highlight, with rotating displays by local, national, and international artists that keep the museum fresh each season. The museum’s free entry policy, combined with occasional exhibition‑ticket charges, makes it an accessible and engaging destination for all ages.

Highlights

• New Wessex Gallery
• Amesbury Archer
• Stonehenge Artifacts
• Lake House Meteorite
• The Salisbury Giant

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes