Exhibitions
Bibi Lihou Exhibition
30 June - 31 July 2026
This July, art lovers are invited to experience the captivating landscapes and seascapes of local artist Bibi Lihou in a special month-long exhibition celebrating the beauty, drama, and ever-changing character of the Isle of Wight. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Bibi’s paintings are inspired by the Island’s unique environment, where shifting weather, dramatic coastlines, and expansive skies create an endless source of artistic inspiration. Her work captures both the powerful energy of stormy seas and skies and the delicate, tranquil colours found in calmer moments of the landscape. Originally from France, Bibi moved to the Isle of Wight in...
Family Events
The Big Butterfly Count at Brading Roman Villa
17 July - 8 August 2026
The Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, helping conservationists monitor the health of our environment. Butterflies are important pollinators and key indicators of biodiversity, but their numbers have declined significantly across the UK in recent decades. This summer, why not get involved at Brading Roman Villa? Pick up a free butterfly identification chart from the Museum Reception and enjoy a stroll around our Summer Nature Trail while counting the butterflies you spot. This self-led walk is available Tuesday to Saturday, with the Museum open from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Every butterfly recorded helps build a better understanding of...
Hidden Histories Live!
29 July 2026
The Festival of Archaeology returns this summer at Brading Roman Villa – Hidden Histories Live! Community Archaeology Day at Brading Roman Villa Wednesday 29th July 2026, from 10am – 3pm. Explore, create and discover the secrets of Brading Roman Villa on Wednesday 29th July from 10am to 3pm, for a community learning day as part of the Festival of Archaeology 2026. Activities will include: Our exciting new project, ‘Uncovering Hidden Stories of Brading Roman Villa’, is part of Past Futures, a project led by Creative Island and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, made possible by The National...
Family Events
Roman Games at the Villa
30 July 2026
Roman Games at the Villa – Part of the Wight Games Festival We’re delighted to be taking part in this year’s Wight Games Festival this July, a wonderful community ‘Olympic Games’ for the Isle of Wight. The festival celebrates participation, inclusivity, and fun, bringing together traditional sports alongside a wide range of activities so that everyone can get involved in a way that suits them. Even better, all money raised will be shared between three Island charities. Here at the Museum, we’ll be hosting two lively afternoons of Roman Games, offering a chance to step back in time and experience...
Arts & Crafts Workshops
Journaling Life - Drop-in session with Lucy Bell
31 July 2026
At Brading Roman Villa, we’ve been exploring how we deal with death… we know it’s going to happen to us all, right? The Romans knew it and so they left evidence of themselves everywhere they went. Come to our final session supported by Creative Island’s Can You Hear Us? – a drop-in for anyone who enjoys art and who wants to explore and celebrate LIFE, and think about leaving a lasting legacy of themselves here. Lucy Bell will sensitively lead you through a creative session focused on items in the Museum collection and journaling life, ready for an exhibition during...
Exhibitions
Art Exhibition with Tania Farrow
4 August - 5 September 2026
Self-taught artist Tania Farrow brings a vibrant and instantly recognisable art exhibition to the museum at Brading Roman Villa. Exhibiting regularly at Brading Roman Villa, she has developed a distinctive practice centred around acrylics and a striking mosaic-effect style that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. The exhibition opens from 4th August to 5th September (Tuesday to Saturday). Tania’s work is infused with colour, character, and joy. Each piece is designed celebrating the things that bring her happiness and to serve as a vivid focal point within any space. Her bold palette and patterns draw viewers in, inviting...
