Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter

Museum in Exeter

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Irid Escent

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery-affectionately known as the RAMM-is one of the best places to visit in Exeter for travellers who enjoy world cultures, natural history and art. First opened in 1868 and completely transformed by a £24m refurbishment completed in 2011, the museum offers a bright, modern and engaging space where nearly a million artefacts help tell the story of humanity, the natural world and Exeter's place in global history.

Spread across 16 galleries, the museum’s collections span zoology, anthropology, archaeology, geology and fine art. Only a fraction of its vast holdings is displayed at any given time, but the RAMM excels at using clear interpretation, creative storytelling and state-of-the-art technology to make every gallery accessible and compelling for visitors of all ages.

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

History and Significance of the RAMM

The museum was founded in the late 19th century during a period of civic pride and educational growth in Exeter. Named in honour of Prince Albert, the RAMM became a centre for learning and cultural exchange, with collections built through exploration, scientific study and archaeological work across Devon and beyond.

By the early 2000s, the museum required major restoration. The award-winning refurbishment not only restored the building’s Victorian architecture but also reshaped its interior into a contemporary museum space. When it reopened in 2011, the RAMM was praised nationally for its accessibility, design and curatorial approach.

Today it stands as Exeter's leading cultural institution and one of the must-see places in Exeter for visitors wanting to understand both local heritage and global stories.

Things to See and Do in the RAMM

The museum's galleries are beautifully arranged to encourage exploration. You can encounter ancient Roman Exeter, local Devon wildlife, world cultures, historic textiles and global archaeology all within one visit. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring objects to life, from fossil collections to world-spanning artefacts.

The RAMM’s art galleries highlight European paintings, contemporary works and special temporary exhibitions. Travelling shows from major institutions frequently arrive here, ensuring something new on each visit.

Families appreciate the hands-on learning stations, activity trails and frequent workshops for children. The museum café and gift shop provide relaxing spaces to pause between galleries.

How to Get to the RAMM

The nearest major airport is Exeter Airport, located a short drive from the city centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Exeter on Booking.com.

Exeter St David's and Exeter Central stations provide excellent rail connections to the city, and the museum is an easy walk from Exeter Central. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Visitors arriving by car will find several public car parks in central Exeter, with short walks leading to the museum entrance.

Practical Tips on Visiting the RAMM

Best time to visit the RAMM: Weekdays or early mornings for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry, with charges for some special exhibitions.
Opening hours: Usually open Tuesday to Sunday; check current times.
Official website: RAMM Exeter for exhibitions and updates.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours, longer if exploring temporary exhibitions.
Accessibility: Excellent; lifts, ramps and accessible facilities provided.
Facilities: Café, shop, toilets, educational rooms and event spaces.
Photography tip: The Victorian architecture of the central atrium makes a great shot.
Guided tours: Occasional tours and curator talks available.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants throughout central Exeter.

Where to Stay close to the RAMM

The museum’s central location means several hotels are within easy walking distance. For a stylish and comfortable base, consider Hotel du Vin Exeter. A convenient option near major transport links is Leonardo Hotel Exeter. For a touch of classic city charm, try Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel.

Is the RAMM Worth Visiting?

Yes, the RAMM is absolutely worth visiting. With its world-class collections, engaging displays, free entry and welcoming atmosphere, it offers one of the richest cultural experiences in Exeter. Whether you love natural history, world cultures, archaeology or art, the RAMM delivers an exceptional museum experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,564)

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery on Queen St, Exeter, sits in an ornate Victorian Gothic Revival building and offers diverse collections from art and natural history to anthropology and local industry; entry is free, the layout flows between rooms and there are frequent temporary exhibitions, a detailed model of Exeter, taxidermy displays and galleries covering topics like manufacturing and railways. Visitors praise friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers, useful lockers for bags and a café (opinions vary on pricing), and say you can easily spend a few minutes or half a day exploring the well-run museum just a short walk from Exeter Central station.

Madhu Ch

5 months ago

"The renovation work done on the museum was well worth the time and effort and there are lots of well thought through additions. The museum is vast soyou could spend hours there but, as entry is free, I quite often just pop in to spend a few minutes in a lunch break or when waiting for the train (it is just next to Exeter Central Station). It is worth noting that there are lockers at the museum where you can leave your belongings while you walk round which is great for those who are passing by and perhaps have more bags etc that they would like! There is a wonderful model of Exeter within the museum which is so interesting to see and the taxidermy (although it might not be everyone's cup of tea) is also a big draw. The museum often has really wonderful exhibitions such as the BBC wildlife photographer of the year so there is always something new to see. I haven't eaten in the cafe there but have heard good things. Everything in the museum seems to have some sort of link to Exeter (however tenuous) & just gives a feeling of being there for the people. It was friendly & relaxed & the information is suitable for the younger/casual interest & also anyone who wants to read more about something. It's laid out in such a way that most of the rooms & exhibits 'flow' & co ect together. You could probably spend half a day there (we ran out of time). However, the reviewers who've said the café is reasonably priced, probably come from a more expensive area than Exeter (personally we thought £6+ for a ciabatta & a bit of salad is fairly steep)..."

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Niall Gavigan

4 months ago

"The staff are definitely the best thing about this place. The volunteers show a genuine interest in the exhibits and are very helpful. There's reallylots to see in this museum, even if it is a bit like most other museums. Plenty of vases on display. All in all it's quite well run and well worth dropping in...."

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Ultimate Squid Gaming

6 months ago

"Awesome museum with free entry. This museum covers not just the natural history of the local area but also an extremely wide range of differentexhibitions! A must see if you're staying in Exeter or the surrounding area. I visited twice in one week!..."

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FAQs for Visiting the RAMM

The museum holds nearly one million artefacts across multiple disciplines.

Yes, general admission is free.

Yes, including workshops, trails and family-friendly galleries.

Yes, with rotating national and international displays.

Yes, along with a well-stocked gift shop.

Nearby Attractions to the RAMM

Exeter Cathedral - A magnificent Gothic cathedral with extraordinary medieval vaulting.
Exeter Castle - The remains of the city's historic Norman fortress.
Exeter's Underground Passages - Medieval tunnels beneath the city centre.
Northernhay Gardens - England's oldest public open space.
Exeter Quay - A lively waterfront with cafés, shops and historic buildings.

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Exeter!

Moira & Andy

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