One of the most popular free visitor attractions in the south east of England is Horsham Museum

Visit England conducted a nationwide survey of visitor attractions across the area in 2012 and it has recently published the results, which show that Horsham Museum, with 73,947 visitors, is the 13th most popular free attraction in the south east of England.

The opening of the art gallery in 2010 has seen Museum visitor numbers increase and in 2012, thanks to the support of the auction house Toovey’s, the Museum was able to host outstanding works of art from Matisse to a loan from the University of Chichester’s Bishop Otter Gallery, which included works by Spencer, Moore, Nash and Piper.

The art exhibitions were complimented by a wide variety of other displays, including one on Dickens and the 1970s as well as craft exhibitions such as the display by Horsham Dolls House club and the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.

Visitors also came to the Museum to wander around its galleries and gardens, including the award winning Standing garden, which is maintained and developed by volunteers.

Horsham District Council’s cabinet member for arts, heritage and leisure, Jonathan Chowen, said: “This is a remarkable achievement in light of the Olympic games and associated cultural events that drew in thousands and thousands of visitors.

“I am really pleased to see that the Museum has been recognised for what it is – a great attraction for all the family.”

Horsham Museum is planning another year of exhibitions and displays focusing on key events in the town and the Horsham District’s history, including the obvious, World War One, and the not so well known Horsham dragon, which had its first noted outing 400 years ago in 1614.

To find out more about Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, visit the website (www.horshammuseum.org), email [email protected] or call 01403 254959.