Torre Abbey is proud to announce its participation in The National Gallery: Art on Your Doorstep, an ambitious new touring project bringing masterpieces from one of the world’s greatest art collections directly into communities across the UK.

As one of the first four partners selected for the 2025–2026 programme, Torbay will host a unique outdoor exhibition from 6 March – 5 September 2026, showcasing life‑sized reproductions of iconic paintings from the National Gallery. Displayed in a free, open‑air trail stretching from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour, the exhibition will celebrate our beautiful seafront while spotlighting the Bay’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors and residents will have the rare chance to enjoy world‑class art in everyday surroundings. Each work will be reproduced at its original scale, complete with fine‑detail printing and framing, allowing people to appreciate brushwork and composition up close — all without needing to travel to London.

The trail will be curated and designed by Torre Abbey, weaving the artworks into Torquay’s landmarks, heritage spaces, and iconic coastal views. As one of Torbay’s flagship cultural sites, Torre Abbey is delighted to play a central role in hosting this major national exhibition, reinforcing our commitment to inspiring creativity, supporting community engagement, and making art accessible to all.

Throughout 2026, Torre Abbey will host a series of linked events, workshops and exhibitions, offering new ways for audiences of all ages to explore the National Gallery’s masterpieces and deepen their connection to art and heritage.

This project forms part of a wider National Gallery initiative to bring art closer to communities across the UK as part of its Bicentenary and ongoing national partnerships programme. Over the next three years, 12 outdoor exhibitions will take place across all four nations, each shaped by and rooted in its local setting.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to bring the magic of the National Gallery to Torquay. We are thrilled to be part of a project that makes art more accessible, inclusive and rooted in local identity. We can’t wait to see these remarkable paintings transforming our seafront and inspiring everyone who lives in or visits the Bay.”

Art on Your Doorstep was made possible with funding from Torbay Council, the National Gallery, the Friends of Torre Abbey, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Art on Your Doorstep is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to bring high‑quality arts experiences directly into local neighbourhoods, helping more people connect with culture right on their doorstep.

For more information and updates, visit: Art on Your Doorstep