Explorers & Egyptomania

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Opened in August 2007 the new Explorers Gallery is one of the most modern and exciting galleries in Devon.

The new gallery is the main showpiece of the museum and features 20 cases of objects and artefacts collected by explorers, travellers, scholars and enthusiasts connected with Torquay, during their travels across the globe. Many of the objects that have found their way to the museum over the last 160 years were previously in store and inaccessible and are now on show to the public for the first time.

Incorporated in the gallery is the "Egyptomania" exhibition. A collection of objects and artefacts revealing life and death in Ancient Egypt, including an Egyptian coffin which has been conserved, revealing its hieroglyphic text and a reconstruction of the little boy entombed within.

The new gallery is very hands on with plenty of activities to keep everyone, young or old, interested and engaged during their visit. The chance to become a reporter on the "Curse of the Mummy’s Hand" story breaking in Egypt, a crawl tunnel containing secret objects, an explorers game and the Harrison trail, where the combination to the treasure chest must be found to claim a reward.

The "Rough Guide to Objects" offers a tactile experience with the chance to handle some of the Museum's collection and "World Music" provides the rhythm and sounds to get your feet moving! 

These interactive elements ensure that the whole family can enjoy the "explorers" experience.

A visit to this new gallery allows people to be transported back to a time when the only way to make new discoveries was to embark on a journey of exploration and experience the world first hand.

Within the Explorer’s Gallery you will find the story of Torquay’s most famous explorer, Lt Col. Percy Harrison Fawcett. The displays contain his trunk with reconstructed contents, personal items connected with his early life in Torquay as well as his military medals and Royal Geographical Society’s Founders gold medal. You can also see documents and photographs from his expeditions. If you would like to find out more about Fawcett click here