The American Museum takes you on a journey through the history of America, from its early settlers to the twentieth century. With its remarkable collection of folk and decorative arts, the Museum shows the diverse and complex nature of American traditions. The only museum of Americana outside the United States, it was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe.
The permanent collection includes more than two hundred historic American quilts, exceptional pieces of Shaker furniture, Native American objects, and two hundred historical maps of the New World starting from the twelfth century and stretching through the Renaissance. The museum also has the most significant collection of American folk art in Europe. Visitors can also explore the extensive grounds, which include an arboretum of American trees.
The New American Garden
Designed by Washington DC-based landscape architecture firm OEHME, VAN SWEDEN, the New American Garden is its first European commission. With new landscaping, and planting the garden provides an exciting horticultural insight into the flora and fauna of the United States.
Exhibitions
Side by Side: America and World War I
17 March – 28 October 2018
2018 marks the 100th anniversary of America’s first major military engagement in the Great War 1914 – 1918,
Side by Side: America and World War I, will uncover the relationship between the US, and Europe, as well as reflecting on those who went into battle, and those who stayed at home.
This immersive exhibition will explore life back home, recruitment, training, a Red Cross hospital, and a reconstructed Renault tank used by the Americans on the Western Front.
Your journey will introduce you to some of those who served on the home front, and to those who saw active service, including Ernest Hemingway, President Woodrow Wilson, journalist Alice Rohe Gertrude, Red Cross worker Charlotte Bannon and one of the 16 million animals who served.
Modern photographs, taken by Brett Killington, of the graffiti made by US soldiers in their training caves in France, will also compliment items from the Museum’s collection, as well as loans from other museums, and private lenders.
Free onsite visitor parking, including spaces for Blue Badge holders. Coach parking outside main Museum building.
Our free shuttle bus runs between Bath city centre and the Museum every day that the Museum is open.
Pick-up point in Bath is at Terrace Walk (known locally as Bog Island). Please click for schedule.