Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

The basics

Exhibits are displayed across five main galleries, with additional spaces devoted to shows produced in collaboration with curators and cultural institutions in Britain and abroad. Highlights include a history gallery that traces the story of Coventry; a collection of paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries; and a gallery dedicated to Coventry’s best-known historical figure, Lady Godiva. The Peace & Reconciliation Gallery is another must-see. It focuses on both the Blitz of Coventry in World War II and on the importance of forgiveness.

Things to know before you go

• The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is ideal for art and history fans.

• Museum admission is free, but donations are welcome. Some special exhibits do have a separate admission price.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. Sensory backpacks are also available to borrow.

How to get there

The museum is in the heart of Coventry, about a 5-minute walk from the Pool Meadow bus station, the city’s main long-distance bus terminal. It takes 10–15 minutes if you’re walking from the train station. You can also rent a loaner bike from West Midlands Cycle Hire and ride there; the closest docks are on the Earl Street side of the museum.

When to get there

The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday and is closed on most Mondays, except for bank holidays. The museum also closes for a few days over Christmas and again on New Year's Day. While weekdays are typically the best time to go if you want to avoid crowds, they also can get busy with school groups.

Visiting Coventry Cathedral

Just around the corner from the Herbert, Coventry Cathedral is among the city's top attractions. Most of the original cathedral, which was built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, was destroyed during World War II, and a new church was erected in its place shortly after. However, parts of the facade and the cathedral tower were spared, and are open to visitors to this day.