- God's House Tower, Town Quay Road, Southampton, SO14 2NY
- 2026-09-11 10:00 to 2026-09-20 16:00
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Heritage Open Days 2026
2026-09-11 10:00 to 2026-09-20 16:00
11th September 2026
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God’s House Tower (GHT) is one of Southampton’s most extraordinary historic landmarks, with over 800 years of rich and often surprising history. First built in 1189 as a gateway to protect the town from sea raids, the structure evolved from a medieval stronghold to a grim 18th-century prison, and later, a bustling Victorian warehouse.
Throughout the centuries, GHT has witnessed dramatic moments in Southampton’s past—from the devastating French raid of 1338 to the harsh realities of life inside God’s House Gaol, where prisoners endured grueling labour in cold, damp conditions. The building’s unique role as both protector and punisher reflects the shifting priorities of the town over time.
In the 20th century, GHT became Southampton’s archaeology museum, before undergoing an ambitious restoration to transform it into the arts and heritage venue it is today. Every stone tells a story—of defence, punishment, resilience, and renewal.
Visitors can explore these layered histories in a space where the line between legend and documented history often blurs, adding depth and intrigue to the experience.
Timings
- Friday 11 September
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 12 September
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Sunday 13 September
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Monday 14 September
- 09:00 – 16:00
- Thursday 17 September
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Friday 18 September
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 19 September
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Sunday 20 September
- 10:00 – 16:00
Main Gallery Exhibition
In the Main Gallery, discover While We Slumber by Kitt (AKA Lady Kitt), an exhibition commissioned by ‘a space’ arts for God’s House Tower. The exhibition begins with a simple question: what do we really share when we sleep in close proximity? Drawing on the familiar rituals of sleepovers – midnight feasts, whispered conversations, star-gazing, makeshift forts and sleeping bag stair toboggans – Kitt explores how social sleeping can deepen emotional connection and reshape our understanding of care, intimacy and belonging.
Central to Kitt’s research is the idea of ‘emotional heritage’: the way feelings accumulate within buildings, and how they are shaped, shared, and passed on through the communities who inhabit them. At God’s House Tower, this inheritance is layered and complex. Through archival and site-based research, Kitt traces a history of communal slumber within the building – from incarceration in the 1700s and 1800s, to more recent events such as artist residencies and a 24 hour ukulele jam. While We Slumber invites audiences to consider (and experience) how social sleeping might alter our relationship to shared spaces and to one another.
Cafe & Refreshments
Take a break in our café and enjoy a selection of freshly prepared coffee, tea and delicious baked goods, with a welcoming space to relax during your visit. Browse our menu here
Artist Shop
Support local artists and discover original artwork and handmade gifts in the GHT Artist Shop. From prints and paintings to jewellery, cards, mugs and tote bags, the shop showcases a wide range of creative work made by talented artists from across Hampshire. Click here to find out more
Accessibility
The ground-floor bar and café at GHT have step-free access from Town Quay Road. For information on parking and travel, please visit our Plan your Visit page. The artwork for this exhibition is located in the Main Gallery and the Barker-Mill Project Space, both of which are accessible via lift. As a Grade I listed building, some areas and facilities are inaccessible due to its medieval structure and preservation needs. We’re committed to continually improving accessibility and making GHT as welcoming and enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Quiet Hours: Every Thursday morning from 10am – 12pm, lights will be dimmed and sound levels lowered.
For the duration, the library will also be available as a quiet space. This space includes dimmed lighting, seating, quiet music, and water. You are welcome to use it at any time if you would like a break.
If you’d like to familiarise yourself with the venue before your visit, you can take a virtual tour of our spaces on our website. You’ll also find a visual story introducing members of the GHT team. Click here to Plan Your Visit or take a Virtual Tour
Do you have any access requirements? We are happy to discuss individual access needs wherever possible. Please email enquiries@aspacearts.org.uk
