Portsmouth’s six museums have had the national seal of approval, demonstrating the city has world-class attractions for people to learn and experience the past.
All six Portsmouth City Council museums have been awarded full accreditation from the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme, run by Arts Council England.
Every year thousands of people visit the city’s museums, and accreditation shows that the collections visitors see and experience are of the very highest standards. Accreditation also shows the museums are sustainable, preserving the city and country’s heritage for future generations. Find out about all Portsmouth museums at portsmouthmuseums.co.uk
Five of the six museums are completely free to visit for Portsmouth residents (postcodes PO1-PO6):
- Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery – telling the story of Portsmouth through art, culture and everyday life, from Sherlock Holmes to modern city stories
- The D‑Day Story – the only museum in the country dedicated to D-Day, its planning, events and legacy and the Battle of Normandy
- Southsea Castle – one of England’s best‑preserved Tudor fortifications, offering dramatic views across the Solent alongside centuries of military history
- Portsmouth Natural History Museum – home to more than 100,000 specimens, exploring wildlife, geology and the natural world locally and globally
- Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum – the historic site where Charles Dickens was born, celebrating the life and legacy of one of Britain’s greatest writers
- Eastney Engine Houses – preserving two Victorian beam engines and Portsmouth’s vital industrial and engineering heritage
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“This fantastic achievement is so fitting as we celebrate our 100th year as a city and a real credit to our dedicated museum teams.
“Full accreditation shows that Portsmouth’s museums meet the very highest national standards, and it underlines our commitment to protecting the city and country’s heritage, while making culture welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”
Portsmouth museums will be celebrating Portsmouth100 with a special Your museum. Your stories. Your city exhibition in Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Opening in October, artefacts in the museum will celebrate the city’s past 100 years. Look out for city buses promoting the free exhibition now.