Contact Details
Market Place
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 7QD
Who are you?
Hampshire Cultural trust
Name of space
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
What is the capacity?
Up to 60 people
About the space
Since 1984, the Willis Museum has been housed in this impressive early Victorian building that was once Basingstoke’s Town Hall. It is named after George Willis, a local clockmaker, antiquarian and former Mayor of Basingstoke, who became the first honorary curator when the original museum was established in the Mechanics Institute in New Street in 1931.
The building you see today replaced the original Mote Hall (meeting place) where Jane Austen attended dances. This replacement Town Hall was designed by Lewis Wyatt and was open on the ground floor, serving as the town’s Corn Exchange and Market. Centrally located at the Top of the Town, in the Willis Museum you will discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past.
What facilities/accessibility features does it have?
The 2nd floor gallery will seat up to 60 people in a lecture style layout and 20 people in cabaret/boardroom style. The 1st floor Ellaway room provides a meeting space for smaller groups and activities. It can comfortably seat 12 people boardroom style, with scope for adapting the layout to suit different activities such as craft workshops. For more information and to book please call 01256 465902.
How much does it cost?
Hourly rate: Please enquire
Half day rate: Please enquire
Day rate: Please enquire
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