About

Collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for nearly 100 years, Towner Eastbourne presents an ambitious and high quality programme of historic, modern and contemporary art through temporary and collection based exhibitions, talks, events and creative activities for as many as 160,000 visitors each year. Founded in 1923 as a result of a bequest by Alderman John Chisholm Towner to create ‘an art gallery for the people’, this founding ethos remains at the heart of Towner’s mission.

Towner’s Collection is best known for its modern British art, including the largest and most significant body of work by Eric Ravilious (1903–1942), and a growing collection of international contemporary art including works by Dineo Seshee Bopape, John Akomfrah, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Tacita Dean, Grayson Perry and Wolfgang Tillmans. Visitors can experience Collection highlights, from painting and works on paper to sculpture and moving image works, in Gallery 1 and the Ravilious Gallery, and through behind the scenes tours in the Art Store every other Sunday.

Towner is a free and welcoming community space providing places for study and relaxation including a Sensory Room, a new Collection Library and a cinema screening a regular programme of films including new releases, documentaries, classics, family film and more. The Art School programme offers creative activities for everyone, children and young people to adults, including drawing, making, designing and film making. A professional development programme for artists of all levels offers artist residencies, mentoring and opportunities for collaboration and showcasing.

The award-winning gallery designed by Rick Mather Architects sits in the Eastbourne’s cultural centre, the Devonshire Quarter. The building, which opened in April 2009, is the largest purpose built gallery in the South East.

Towner Eastbourne is led by Joe Hill, Director.


Towner Tours

Enjoy a tour of the building and exhibitions.

Towner Cafe Bar

Urban Ground at Towner Art Gallery is the perfect spot to relax, meet friends, and enjoy a delicious Direct Trade coffee made from Union Hand Roasted beans.Treat yourself to a freshly prepared light lunch or a slice of homemade cake

Coastal Culture Trail

The De La Warr Pavilion, Jerwood Gallery, and Towner – three of the most exciting visual arts galleries in the UK - have joined forces to create a cultural trail which promises a fabulous weekend of great art, great food.

Tiny Towner Drop-in

Tiny Towner is a welcoming space for under-5s and their parents and carers to play and explore together.

Tiny Towner

Creative play for parents, carers and under 5's linked to ideas and art work in our current exhibitions.