Countdown to kick-off for Albion FC’s new museum
Seagulls’ football heritage set for a spectacular new home in the heart of Brighton.
The countdown is officially underway for Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s stunning new exhibition, which will open its doors at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery in August 2026 – perfectly timed to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.
A special photocall in Brighton today (19 August) marked the start of this exciting journey, bringing together Albion supporters and players past and present to celebrate a landmark moment in the club’s history.
The new exhibition will chart Albion’s extraordinary rise, from the dramatic fan-led battle to save the club in the late 1990s through the climb from the lower leagues to securing a place in the Premier League and winning a coveted place to play European football.
It will showcase treasured memorabilia, unforgettable match moments and personal stories from across the Seagulls’ family, giving fans from Sussex to Singapore the chance to connect with the spirit and pride of Brighton & Hove Albion.
This world-class exhibition will be housed in one of Brighton’s most prestigious cultural landmarks, offering year-round access to both lifelong fans and international visitors.
Following a formal tender process and competitive pitch, cultural consultancy Barker Langham has been chosen to design the exhibition, a 93-square-metre gallery space on the museum’s upper floor.
Today’s photocall highlights included:
● Albion U21 players, Joe Belmont and Shane Nti and club legends Bob Booker and Guy Butters meeting supporters
● Albion mascot Gully entertaining fans and posing for photos
● Kids enjoying free football coaching courtesy of the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation
● Football-inspired art activities from Brighton & Hove Museums’ experts
Tony Bloom, Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to tell our Sussex and global visiting fanbase about the journey that the club has been on, re-live some of the milestones and history we continue to make and celebrate 125 years of the club.”
Paul Barber, Deputy Chairman & CEO of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, said:
“This long-term presence in the city reflects how important the club and its fans are to each other and the culture of the city as a whole. We are delighted that this permanent home, that is so accessible to the city and our visiting support, will be a defining part of telling the club’s story and preserving our heritage and history to a wider audience.”
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums, added:
“Brighton & Hove Albion are a major part of this city’s lifeblood and history. We’re thrilled to bring Albion’s incredible story into the heart of Brighton. This exhibition will not only celebrate sporting achievement but the passion, resilience and identity of a community that never gave up on its club. It’s a story that belongs to everyone. It’s absolutely right that the club’s incredible story is told in Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. We are honoured and excited to be working with the club on this project and simply can’t wait for the exhibition opening in 2026.”
Peter Karn, Creative Director at Barker Langham, said:
“Barker Langham are thrilled to have been selected to work with Brighton & Hove Museums and Brighton & Hove Albion FC on this deeply inspiring project. What really excited us about the project was the opportunity to tell the incredible story of the fans, their dedication over time, and how the fortunes of the club have shaped and will continue to shape the local area.”
The new exhibition will open in August 2026. Until then, the countdown is on and the story of Brighton & Hove Albion is only getting bigger.
