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What's Inside

What's Inside

A gateway to Chichester District's rich and fascinating history, The Novium Museum offers visitors the chance to explore 500,000 years of stories and heritage.

Located on Tower Street in Chichester City Centre, the museum is purpose-built to showcase the remains of a remarkable Roman bathhouse, preserved and displayed for all to see. With three floors of exhibitions, The Novium Museum presents a comprehensive journey through the district's past, connecting visitors to its unique legacy.

General admission is free, with donations greatly appreciated to support our work. A small entry fee may apply to our Temporary or Touring Exhibitions on the second floor.

  • Ground Floor Step straight into the heart of Roman Chichester, with the remains of a Roman bath house beneath your feet. Discover artefacts from across the district and get your visit off to a great start with our shop, box office and Tourist Information Centre.
  • First Floor Uncover the people and places that shaped Chichester's past.
  • Second Floor Home to our major temporary and touring exhibitions programme. You can also enjoy a fantastic view of Chichester Cathedral from our top floor. 

Ground Floor

Baths were centres of recreation, but also would have fulfilled a deeper social and cultural role
The Chichester TIC is located inside the museum
The Bosham Head is part of the largest Roman statue found in Britain
Our gift shop sells a range of locally sourced and produced products
The mosaic discovered in Room 6 of Chilgrove Villa I, dates from the 4th century AD.

Roman Chichester: Explore Chichester's Roman roots through incredible local finds, including the Chilgrove Mosaic and items from city-wide excavations.

Roman Bath House: Marvel at the remains of Chichester's Roman public bath house - preserved beneath the museum and visible from above.

Chichester Tourist Information Centre: Your gateway to the city - pick up maps, brochures and local recommendations.

Museum Shop: Find unique gifts, locally made products and exhibition-themed merchandise. Every purchase supports the museum.

Chichester Box Office: Book tickets for events across Chichester.

First Floor

Telling the stories of Chichester District
The exhibition recounts how a railway line was proposed to link the then remote and isolated village of Selsey with Chichester.
The original King Charles I bust from Chichester's Market Cross has returned home from the Tate Britain and is now displayed at The Novium Museum.
'Racton Burial' delves into the history of a fascinating burial discovered in 1989.
Arguably the most elaborately equipped warrior grave ever found in England, archaeologists believe he was a refugee French Gallic fighter who fled Julius Caesar's Roman Army as they swept across continental Europe around 50BC.

Out & Proud in Chichester: Celebrate the history of Chichester Pride and the inspiring stories of our local LGBTQ+ community.

Mystery Warrior - The North Bersted Man: Discover the remarkable story of a Gallic warrior buried with ornate grave goods over 2,000 years ago - now permanently on display.

The Racton Man: Step into the Bronze Age with the fascinating story of a man whose burial remained a mystery for decades.

King Charles I Bust: See the original 17th-century sculpture of Charles I, once displayed in Chichester's Market Cross.

Selsey Tramway: Delve into the story of a charming but chaotic railway that once linked Selsey with Chichester and the Manhood Peninsula.

History of Chichester District: Trace Chichester's evolution from Roman town to medieval market centre and beyond.

Library: Access our reference library and research rooms by appointment - ideal for in-depth study of the museum's collections.

Social History Store Room: Home to the museum's extensive collection of objects from homes, workplaces and communities.

Second Floor

BMX bikes (it stands for bicycle motocross) began to appear in Britain around 1980, and Raleigh the country’s top bike manufacturer released its first BMX the Raleigh Burner in 1982.
Offering stunning views of Chichester Cathedral
Photos encouraged, and we'd love to see them! Share them on Instagram and Facebook #Novium80s
Offering views of Chichester Cathedral and Bell Tower, the room can be hired for meetings and events
80s Britain also produced many quirkier artists, that may not necessarily have filled international stadiums but made an indelible impact on the music scene

Hurrah for Shippam's (from 12 July 2025): Celebrate one of Chichester's most iconic brands in a fun, interactive exhibition full of flavour, nostalgia and family appeal. 

Cathedral View: Enjoy a stunning rooftop view of Chichester Cathedral.

Woolstaplers Learning & Meeting Room: A light-filled space for school groups, meetings and events, with spectacular views!

 

 

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