The Upstairs Gallery houses our temporary exhibitions. We look for works that link to Hengistbury Head: whether that be views of the local area, coastal scenes, landscapes, or wildlife.

If you're interested in exhibiting here, take a look at our exhibitor information page.

** The Visitor Centre is currently closed. We will return to our programme of events as soon as we are permitted, but please note that dates may be subject to change**

Current Exhibition

4 March - 30 August 2020: Metamorphosis: Astonishing Insect Transformations. An exhibition of photographs by Rupert Soskin.

Insects truly are the ugly ducklings of the natural world. How does something as beautiful as a butterfly begin life as little more than a fancy maggot? Or something as elegant and delicate as a lacewing hatch out looking like a minuscule escapee from a horror movie? What are the circumstances that require a creature to transform from one body shape into another, a shape that is often so utterly different from the first that you would be forgiven for thinking they were completely unrelated organisms?

This exhibition shows remarkable transformations, some of which most people could never see in a lifetime. 

Download the exhibition poster.

Watch Rupert talk about his fascinating exhibition

Coming Soon

2 September to 18 October: Performing the Past: Experimental Archaeology at Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre and Bournemouth University

20 October to 1 November: The Art Department at St Peter’s School, Southbourne - Mark Making

Students share their personal responses to Hengistbury Head

3 November to 3 January: Beyond the Sea -  Ian Perkins

Exploring Dorset’s Coast and Beyond Through Photography

Exhibitions Poster

You can also help us to promote our exhibitions programme by downloading our exhibitions poster - thank you for your support!

Further ahead

We have some interesting exhibitions planned for the coming year, we'll list these here as soon as they're finalised - or why not sign up to our mailing list to find out the latest news as soon as we have it?