Weaving together the story of Jersey, from the island’s first humans and many wars, this extensive museum is adorned with surrealist art and period recreations.
Jersey Museum & Art Gallery covers the island’s 250,000 years of human settlement. Lying within a charming building with a pale yellow pediment and clock, the fascinating exhibits reveal the major moments in Jersey’s anthropological history. Learn about everything from the first settlers to the English Civil War and the German occupation.
Among the highlights is the Merchant’s House exhibit, traveling back to the Victorian era of Jersey. Wander through this old-world setting comprising period décor and gas lamps. Explore another exhibit recreating Jersey in the 1980s.
Watch the Story of Jersey film and find out why the island remained part of England, despite its close proximity to France. England owned much of France in the Middle Ages, gradually retreating until only the Channel Islands remained part of the English Crown. Due to its strategic position, Jersey has played a role in many wars, including World War II, the English Civil War and the Hundred Years’ War.
Listen to audio of the Jersey dialect of French that developed on the island. Encounter exhibits about the agricultural history here and watch a video showing the influx of tourists decades ago.
For a change of theme, browse the works on display in the art gallery. The museum is known for its collections of surrealist and avant-garde works by stepsisters Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore. Admire the photos, books and manuscripts that make up the exhibit. Relax with food and drinks at the Expression Café.
Note that the museum has an admission fee and is open daily year-round from morning until late afternoon. Discounts are available for seniors, students and children.
Jersey Museum & Art Gallery stands beside St. Helier Harbour in the center of the town. While in the neighborhood, make sure to visit the Maritime Museum, the Waterfront Gardens and Elizabeth Castle.
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