Temporary exhibitions and events
Step into Island History – For Free!
This September, celebrate Heritage Open Days with two unforgettable experiences in Newport, Isle of Wight—and they’re completely free!
Explore Newport Roman Villa – Wednesday 17 September 2025 (10:30am to 2:30pm)
Travel back over 1,700 years at Newport Roman Villa, a beautifully preserved 3rd-century farmhouse discovered in 1926.
What to see:
- Roman bath suite and hypocaust heating system
- Roman-style garden
- free guided tours at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm
- drop-in and explore at your own pace
Location: Newport Roman Villa
Admission: Free, no booking required
Discover the Museum of Island History – Thursday 18 September 2025 (10am to 2pm)
Located in the iconic Guildhall, the Museum of Island History offers a fascinating journey through the Isle of Wight’s past—from prehistoric fossils to modern-day festivals.
New this year: A special display of artefacts unearthed by the Vectis Searchers Metal Detecting Club—a must-see for history lovers!
Location: Guildhall, Newport
Admission: Free, no booking required
Walk Through Poetry: Charlotte Mew Immersive Experience – Thursday 18 September 2025 (12pm)
Join a unique walking performance celebrating the life and poetry of Charlotte Mew, a rarely recognised literary voice with deep ties to the Island.
Start tour: 12pm at the Yellowfin Propeller (opposite Quay Arts)
End tour: Museum of Island History
Tickets: Free via Eventbrite.co.uk: Charlotte Mew
Written by Katie Daysh and directed by Rebecca Tremain for StoneCrabs Theatre, this moving experience brings Mew’s story to life through her own words and spirit.
Why You Should Visit
- Free entry to all events
- Family-friendly and suitable for all ages
- Expert-led tours and performances
- Discover hidden stories and local heritage
About Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture, bringing together thousands of volunteers and organisations every September.
It’s your chance to:
- Explore hidden places
- Experience local traditions
- Celebrate community stories
- Enjoy it all for free
These events are organised by the Isle of Wight Heritage Service, in collaboration with StoneCrabs Theatre.
Find more events across the Island and UK: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Don’t miss this chance to connect with Island heritage in a whole new way!
Heritage events throughout the year
The Heritage service holds many community days at its sites. These include
- free and reduced entry days
- activities, talks and tours
- heritage open days
- the Festival of Archaeology
- the Family Learning Festival
Heritage service staff may also be able to assist with your event with a museum themed display, talk or activity.
Contact us or follow us on our social media channels.
Contact our Exhibitions and Museums Officer
- call 01983 823433
- email museums@iow.gov.uk
Museum loans and displays
Cowes Maritime Museum has an exhibition area that allows a changing display of images from the maritime collection.
The Museum of Island History has an exhibition about the history of Newport and its shops.
Library displays
The libraries at Ventnor, Ryde and Newport (Lord Louis Library) have a display screen for slideshows and a small case for changing displays. These are changed regularly and are available for community lead or partnership exhibitions.
Loan of museum material
The Heritage service loans many artefacts to other organisations to allow these items to be enjoyed by as many people as possible. Whether museum material can be loaned depends on the needs of each object. Museum staff can arrange a visit to discuss possible loans and the requirements for the items concerned, such as security and environmental conditions.
If we cannot loan you the original artefact, we may be able to provide photographs, images or replicas to supplement your display.
What does the Heritage service do?
The Heritage service cares for a large collection of artefacts and images relating to the history of the Isle of Wight.
The collection is displayed within our three museums and every opportunity is taken to make them available more widely through temporary exhibitions and loans to other organisations.