Novium Museum, Chichester

Museum in Chichester

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Basher Eyre

The Novium Museum is one of the top attractions in Chichester for history lovers, especially those fascinated by Roman Britain. Built directly over the remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman bathhouse, this award-winning museum provides an engaging look into ancient life through immersive exhibits, beautifully preserved artefacts, and interactive displays. Its central location makes it easy to explore during a stroll around Chichester's historic core, and the museum's free entry ensures it's accessible to all.

This modern, welcoming museum is often visited on walking tours of Chichester, thanks to its striking architecture and the rare opportunity to see Roman ruins preserved beneath the ground-floor gallery. Beyond its archaeological significance, The Novium regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that draw on collections from across the UK, making every visit feel fresh and insightful.

History and Significance of The Novium Museum
Things to See and Do in The Novium Museum
How to Get to The Novium Museum
Practical Tips on Visiting The Novium Museum
Where to Stay close to The Novium Museum
Is The Novium Museum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting The Novium Museum
Nearby Attractions to The Novium Museum

History and Significance of The Novium Museum

The Novium Museum sits atop one of Chichester's most important archaeological sites: the ancient Roman bathhouse discovered during excavations. Instead of moving the ruins, architects designed the museum directly over them, creating a unique setting where visitors can view the remains from elevated walkways.

Chichester, known as Noviomagus Reginorum in Roman times, served as an important administrative and military town. The museum's name-The Novium-pays tribute to this heritage. The museum plays a crucial role in preserving artefacts uncovered across West Sussex, telling the story of local life from prehistory through to modern times.

Things to See and Do in The Novium Museum

The ground floor showcases the partially excavated Roman bathhouse, allowing visitors to observe the hypocaust system and other architectural remnants that reveal how people lived and bathed two millennia ago. Engaging displays explain the engineering behind Roman heating systems, the social role of bathhouses, and daily life in ancient Chichester.

Among the standout exhibits is the tomb of an Iron Age warrior, complete with grave goods that shed light on the region before Roman occupation. The museum’s upper floors feature rotating exhibitions borrowed from other museums, covering topics such as local history, archaeology, space science, or cultural heritage.

Visitors should not miss the rooftop, which offers sweeping panoramic views over Chichester’s rooftops and its majestic cathedral-one of the best viewpoints in the city.

How to Get to The Novium Museum

From London Gatwick Airport, visitors can reach Chichester in around 1-1.5 hours by train or car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Chichester on Booking.com. From Chichester Railway Station, the museum is just a 10-minute walk through the city centre. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Travellers arriving by car can follow the A27 into Chichester and use nearby public car parks before walking to the museum’s central location.

Practical Tips on Visiting The Novium Museum

Best time to visit The Novium Museum: Weekday mornings for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Typically 10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays in winter).
Official website: Available via Chichester District Council.
How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, including lifts to all floors.
Facilities: On-site shop and rooftop viewpoint.
Photography tip: Head to the rooftop for beautiful shots of Chichester Cathedral.
Guided tours: Occasional talks and special events available.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants in the adjoining streets.

Where to Stay close to The Novium Museum

Staying in Chichester’s historic centre provides ideal access to the museum and surrounding landmarks. For boutique comfort near the museum and cathedral, consider The Ship Hotel. A refined, contemporary option just a short walk away is Harbour Hotel Chichester. For a countryside retreat within a short drive, The Goodwood Hotel offers comfort and rural charm.

Is The Novium Museum Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Novium Museum is absolutely worth visiting for its rare Roman bathhouse remains, excellent exhibitions, and panoramic rooftop views. It's an insightful, enjoyable attraction for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to understand Chichester's ancient roots.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (884)

The Novium Museum at 1 Tower St, Chichester, is a purpose-built modern museum built around well-preserved Roman bath house remains and offering access to a 13th-century priory; it spans three floors with free general entry, accessible lifts, a gift shop and small exhibitions such as 1980s-themed displays (a modest paid entry for special exhibits was mentioned), an extensive Shippham display and a good upper-floor view of the cathedral, plus interactive elements, videos, a library and family-friendly features like dressing-up and a retro arcade.

Carole Johnson

2 months ago

"Absolute gem of a museum in the centre of this lovely city of Chichester. Really interesting, well presented, lots of interactive things to do also,library, videos to watch, gifts, postcards and maps....Parking nearby. The museum has large lifts. It's free but so worth a donation...."

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Jo y

3 months ago

"On Tower Street near the cathedral, a museum on 3 floors with a gift shop Free entry Ground floor: all about the roman era of the Chichester City 1stfloor: has the history from BCE to present day with artifafts; the Selsey Tram; history of pride Warning: human bones 2nd floor: a great view of the cathedral & a special exibition of Shippams..."

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Matt Longville

7 months ago

"Nice museum to spend an hour. You can see the remains of an old Roman settlement which are well preserved. The I Grew Up in the 80s exhibition wasgood to see as I was born in this era there was an extra cost of £5.00 to see it but all goes to the museum...."

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FAQs for Visiting The Novium Museum

Yes, admission is completely free, though donations are welcome.

Yes, the ruins are visible from walkways with detailed interpretation panels.

Absolutely-many exhibits are interactive and family-friendly.

Yes, all exhibitions are included at no cost.

Most visitors spend around an hour, depending on interest.

Nearby Attractions to The Novium Museum

Chichester Cathedral - A grand medieval cathedral with beautiful architecture.
Chichester Market Cross - A 15th-century landmark at the city's centre.
Pallant House Gallery - A leading modern art gallery in a Georgian townhouse.
Bishop's Palace Gardens - Peaceful historic gardens perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Fishbourne Roman Palace - Britain's largest Roman home with stunning mosaics.

The Novium Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chichester!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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