Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Exeter's world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter's rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the world cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world. The shop offers hand-picked gifts, unique craft items, books and affordable souvenirs for children. The cafe serves delicious homemade food. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Closed Mondays and bank holidays. Free Admission. From time to time galleries may be closed for special events; please check before travelling.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Paul WWolverhampton, United Kingdom31 contributionsFascinatingA really interesting museum. The ground floor is dedicated to Devon history and is fascinating. First floor contains items from the world over. Allow yourself at least 3 hours, maybe more, to take it all in.Hi Paul, so glad you had a good visit, thanks for the glowing review.Written 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
- Rik nSanta Monica, California50 contributionsEXETER RAM A MUST VISIT!!!!!!!!!ABSOLUETLY fantastic, even with my vast knowledge I was able to broaden my interests and increase my depth of understanding. I really enjoyed the the automatons and helped my family members etc build their own. This place is a must if you visit Exeter it is also free, so do not forget to visit the gift shop and restaurant/ cafe. Next time I'm back in England I will do my bedt to visit, even if I have the usual tight scedule every mega star has!Thanks Rik! We're very glad you learned something at RAMM and had a fun visit. Hope to see you again soon (tight schedule permitting!)Written 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 May 2024
- SomersetgrumpyWeston super Mare, United Kingdom50 contributionsFabulousThis museum is well worth a visit. The history of Exeter on the ground floor is incredibly well laid out and easy to get around plus it’s fascinating as well. Good for children to as most displays are low level or has steps to view. Cafe not open currently due to lack of anybody to take it on - a sad fact in 2024 and restoration work ongoing. 2nd floor is full of interesting displays, also fascinating including a full size elephant and giraffe. Highly recommend and it will take about 2 hours to go round. It’s free too, but to be honest, it’s worth a tenner of anybody’s hard earned cash and they need the money!Thanks for your review! Delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit to RAMM, hope to welcome you back again in future.Written 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 14 May 2024
- BessieFolkestone, United Kingdom201 contributionsExtensive collection showing Devon’s historyVery extensive collection covering from dinosaur age through to the modern day showing Devon’s history. Also has world pieces and some very good animal collections. Really enjoyed it and definitely worth a visit if in Exeter area. Bearing in mind there is no fee it is well recommended. The only downside is that the cafe is closed until they find a company to run it.Thank you for reviewing RAMM, we're delighted you enjoyed your visit. We hope we can welcome you back when the cafe is up and running again.Written 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 May 2024
- Sam R2 contributionsAmazing and educational but fun!Amazing place full of so many interesting artefacts and helpful volunteers who were only too happy to help share their knowledge and passions. My children thoroughly enjoyed it and even more it was free. Just a shame the cafe and top floor were closed today otherwise we'd have given it 5 *.Thanks for coming to visit and for the great review of our collection and our wonderful volunteers. We hope you can come back soon when the repair work on the museum is complete and we are fully open again.Written 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 May 2024
- Pigeon5 contributionsDim lighting but very interestingVery interesting place to visit and it’s free! Few of the exhibits were closed when we visited which was a shame but understandable. Main issue was that the lighting is so very dim that if you don’t have the best eyesight, reading the descriptions can be somewhat difficult! Overall though would visit again and still can’t believe it’s free!Thanks for your review Lydia, we're really glad you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for your feedback about the lighting which we will take on board. Next time you visit please do feel free to ask at Reception for one of our booklets which have larger print and will allow you to read the captions more easily.Written 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 June 2024
- KellyLA84London, United Kingdom62 contributionsBigger than expected and well worth a lookWe only had a short amount of time so wasn't able to look round the whole of the museum. There was a helpful map that told you where each of the exhibits were so we went to the parts that were of most interest to us. The museum is much bigger than it seems to be. What we saw was interesting and when we are next in the area it would be good to go back and look around the rest.Thank you for your review - glad you enjoyed and hope to welcome you back again in the future!Written 27 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
- Pascal H. GillonExeter, United Kingdom218 contributionsBack to the Future old style: just holistic mental bliss!I could say that having lived/worked in france from my teens to 1984, one year in Germany, then more than twelve years in the USA, and nearlt twenty five here, in the UK, and done careers within the Hospitality/Restaurant, Communications, Private Service and Commerce, to mention the main ones, I can usually point out what is reasonably very good or not in a service or product. In this too many times still, convoluted life styles we may touch, in our societies within the Western World, mental health need some rest and more and more now, some solace with reflection on the human condition or/and amazing history that shows our powerful roots within the world's communities and cutures or/and learn from the people that were before us within some of thwir holsitic cultural traits when they are present. This museum is clean, well posted, very friendly staff, cute shop and amazing costumes, animals, bilology, antique worlds traces of civilisations and more. A true jewel for that city but more so, a spot where one can travel back in time, reflect on how things may have been or are still, in the world and intellectual positive food for the brain. Great for parents, kids, couples, single people...you name it! Free to enter? Then spare coins or donations are wlecomed, as we all so can spend money on outings and holidays, that museum indeed deserves all tender loving care one may do. Merci for all the staff there!Merci for your review! We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your visit, and very much agree that time spent in a museum can be soothing for the mind and soul (all backed up by fascinating research!). Thank you for coming to see us; we hope you can visit again in the future.Written 27 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 August 2024
- GoPlaces34398470545Exeter, United Kingdom2 contributionsFun with GrandchildrenWe had two super visits with grandchildren this summer. They enjoyed the Transport exhibition and the activities linked to it. It was the first ever visit to a museum for our youngest and she really wants to go again. She examined the SS Endeavour in great detail comparing it with her own pirate ship. Thank youThank you for coming to visit us with your grandchildren, we're so glad to hear how much they enjoyed it - especially your youngest! We hope it has ignited a lifelong love of museums for her. Hope to see you again soon. - RAMMWritten 27 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 September 2024
- PeterHamilton Parish, Bermuda3 contributionsTruly world classDespite growing up 50 miles from this museum, I didn’t visit until I was in my 40s. It is truly incredible. The breadth of exhibits from ancient history, natural history, geology, world cultures. Presented beautifully. I’ve been to many museums. Some of the London museums are much bigger but they are often so crowded that you don’t have the mental space to enjoy what you are seeing as much. At the ramm it feels less frantic.highly recommended for museum lovers who want to pause and get lost contemplating the wonderful objects on displayWhat a fantastic review. It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoy visiting RAMM, and we agree - it IS truly incredible! We hope you can visit us again and again; there's always something new to see. Thanks for taking the time to review.Written 27 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,518 reviews
Excellent
1,007
Very good
384
Average
80
Poor
34
Terrible
13
bensT9107YL
Swadlincote, UK311 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
This is an excellent free museum and well worth a visit.
The museum is within the city centre and particularly close to the Guildhall shopping centre and car park.
Entry is free but donations welcomed. The main entrance is up some steps but there are alternative access points and lifts in the building. Worth checking before visiting.
There is a good selection of permanent galleries with numerous artefacts of global importance, including Egypt and natural history. More importantly there is a decent area dedicated to Exeter and Devon and it’s story over millions of years.
The static displays were supplemented by some interactive tools, most of which worked and there were a lot of links to online information via QR codes so you could find out more. There were guides around the museum but I felt it was geared towards the online option. To get the best experience I’d probably ask for advice at the start as to where to start.
The cafe was nice enough for a quick break for tea and cakes and a pleasant environment to sit in and it also contains information on some of the positive community work that the museum is involved in.
I’d recommend spending at least 2 hours to see everything in a decent level of detail.
The museum is within the city centre and particularly close to the Guildhall shopping centre and car park.
Entry is free but donations welcomed. The main entrance is up some steps but there are alternative access points and lifts in the building. Worth checking before visiting.
There is a good selection of permanent galleries with numerous artefacts of global importance, including Egypt and natural history. More importantly there is a decent area dedicated to Exeter and Devon and it’s story over millions of years.
The static displays were supplemented by some interactive tools, most of which worked and there were a lot of links to online information via QR codes so you could find out more. There were guides around the museum but I felt it was geared towards the online option. To get the best experience I’d probably ask for advice at the start as to where to start.
The cafe was nice enough for a quick break for tea and cakes and a pleasant environment to sit in and it also contains information on some of the positive community work that the museum is involved in.
I’d recommend spending at least 2 hours to see everything in a decent level of detail.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave us feedback, we're delighted you enjoyed your visit. Hope to welcome you back to RAMM again :)
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mags W
United Kingdom14 contributions
Jul 2022
We visited this museum while on holiday in the area - and can definitely recommend it. Everything is well displayed and catalogued, and staff were very helpful. There’s a small cafe which serves light lunches and snacks. And we were fortunate enough to see the LEGO exhibition of Exeter through the ages, which was amazingly detailed. There is no charge for entry to the museum, so it’s excellent value - although they do appreciate donations if you’re able.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. Very glad you enjoyed your visit.
RAMM
Written 17 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yakyakyak36
Dorchester, UK36 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We visited this museum on a showery Sunday morning and were extremely impressed with the quality and range of exhibits.
Knocks socks off other provincial museums which charge an entry fee.
If looking for something to do in Exeter, look no further, just go :)
Knocks socks off other provincial museums which charge an entry fee.
If looking for something to do in Exeter, look no further, just go :)
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review Yakyakyak36! We're delighted you had such a good time at RAMM - we agree, everyone should come and visit us! :)
Written 2 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carolyn M
Exeter, UK18 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Marilyn was my tour guide today. As I was the only one taking advantage of a tour of the museum she kindly concentrated on subjects that would be of interest to my 8 year old grandson on a future visit eg. the Romans, India, Japan and Wartime some of which he is being taught about in school. It was my first visit to the museum and I was grateful to have such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Thank you, Marilyn.
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming to visit, we're so glad your grandson had a good visit. We will make sure to forward your feedback to Marilyn and our volunteer manager as well!
Written 7 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue Wiggins
Rugby, UK487 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We visited on a wet March afternoon, 4 adults. The giraffe and elephant exhibition had me (at 68 years of age) wide eyed with wonder! Whilst not a fan of taxidermy, I just couldn't believe the size of the giraffe (never having been near a live one). The museum is extremely interesting and we spend a lovely afternoon viewing the exhibits (of particular interest, The Seaton hoard as it was found at the bottom of my uncle's garden in a field)! A great way to spend time, whatever age you are. Recommended!
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review, we're so glad you enjoyed your visit (and what a great coincidence about the Seaton Hoard!) We hope you come back and visit RAMM again.
Written 2 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hobby
Liverpool, UK1,601 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Visit here annually and on leaving we always think “What a great museum”. Visited Saturday lunchtime with 2 grandchildren (8+5), meet by 2 v friendly young guides at the door who chatted to the girls and gave them some puzzle sheets, lots of interesting items to look at esp the Devon Hoard and insect displays. Kept the girls interested for a good 2 hours.
Many thanks, we’ll be back
Many thanks, we’ll be back
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely feedback, so glad your grandchildren had a fun visit :)
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JaneJ993
Sidmouth, UK45 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The most boring museum for children we have ever been to (4 and 8 year olds). Admittedly it would be interesting for adults as there is massive amount of information to read, however this is not helpful for children as you have to spend a long time reading it to summarise for them. No interactive displays, only came across one wooden xylophone (in use) and tatty children’s books in a reading corner. We left after 40 mins.
Written 12 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We're sorry to hear your visit didn't live up to your expectations. We're currently working on improving our families area and will certainly take your feedback on board.
Written 9 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger P
St. Asaph, UK70 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
A free museum with a wealth of well described exhibits to marvel at. Allow at least 2 hours. The history of Exeter and the region is covered from the early stone age to modern times. The highlight for me was the examples of the extremely fine lace work of local women. For my husband, the gallery of World Cultures. It has a surprisingly collection of traditional artefacts from around the globe. Well worth an unhurried viewing.
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad you enjoyed our display of lace and our World Cultures collection. Thank you for coming to visit, and for leaving us a review.
Written 7 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leah
10 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Planned a trip to Exeter and to go to the museum with our two three year olds. As with most museums we expected there would be a picnic area for them to eat a packed lunch as generally most places to eat out don't have a healthy and varied menu for vegan diets. There unfortunately is no space for picnics here or do their cafe allow young children's packed lunches to be eaten even when purchasing food/drink in addition. Really disappointing and so we subsequently left, as with young children, when it's time to eat it's time to eat! No flexibility despite it being a very quiet day and plenty of space. Rules are rules are rules hey.
Not great for children.
Not great for children.
Written 8 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussiecop
Newport, UK82 contributions
Nov 2022
Looking at the other reviews I feel a little guilty to give a less positive review on the Royal Albert Museum & Art Gallery. However, it may be just an age thing because my partner and I both struggled to read information on certain exhibits and the general lighting was poor in places but this may be due to cost saving measures. We also found the exhibits a little muddled and incoherent and found direction signs lacking. Finally the security man stood directly in front of the entrance door was a little intimidating and it felt like to were going into MI5 and not a museum.
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking time to leave us your feedback. We are currently undergoing a programme of replenishing the lights through the museum to save energy and improve accessibility as well as ensuring the collections are cared for. The text for all displays can be found in our special large print caption books which are available in every gallery. Please ask a member of the Visitor Services team if you would like help with these
Some of our exhibits juxtapose different objects to spark curiosity and conversation, but we appreciate that some of our visitors prefer a more conventional arrangement so many of our galleries are laid out more traditionally.
We were very sorry to hear that you did not receive a warm welcome to RAMM; we strive to make sure all visitors feel welcomed and comfortable at the museum. We will pass this feedback on to our visitor services team.
Thanks again for leaving your review,
RAMM.
Written 30 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes I believe it is apart from bank holidays.... probably best to check their website...
Written 17 April 2018
RAMM
Exeter, United Kingdom
General admission to the displays and exhibitions is free though entry will be charged for one of the forthcoming exhibition: Garden Photographer of the Year starting 23 April - adults £4, concessions £2, under-19s free. RAMM is open 10am to 5pm every day except Mondays and bank holidays.
Written 24 March 2016
RAMM
Exeter, United Kingdom
There aren't any dinosaur skeletons on display in RAMM and I'm not sure there ever have been. We do have the skeleton of a Cuvier's whale in the Case Histories gallery and some visitors think that it's a dinosaur. In my 10 years working at the museum, several visitors have told me of their memories of seeing dinosaurs at the museum but none of the staff I've spoken to know of any. Let me know when it was that you saw the dinosaur skeleton here an I'll make further enquiries. With a 150 year history and a very busy exhibitions programme, it's quite possible that did once have one on display and I'd love to find out when it was.
Written 8 June 2015
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