The historic Old Police Cells Museum beneath Brighton Town Hall is reopening to the public, offering visitors the chance to step back through nearly 200 years of Sussex policing history.
The museum is housed in the original Victorian police cells, which were used between 1832 and 1967, and explores the evolution of crime, justice and law enforcement from the 19th century to modern day policing.
Visitors will be able to walk through preserved cells and corridors while discovering stories linked to some of Brighton’s most famous moments, including the murder of Chief Constable Henry Solomon in 1844 and the clashes involving Mods and Rockers during the 1960s.
The reopening has been led by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, who is now custodian of the collection.
She said: “I’m delighted to reopen the Old Police Cells Museum and preserve this extraordinary part of our county’s policing heritage.
“These cells are more than bricks and mortar – they hold the stories of the people, officers and communities who shaped Sussex policing as we know it today.”
The museum also highlights the changing role of women in policing and features historic uniforms, photographs, equipment and artefacts collected over many years.
Brighton and Hove Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, described the museum as “a fascinating look at the history of policing in Sussex”.
Best-selling crime author Peter James, Vice President of the museum, added: “These extraordinary Victorian cells beneath Brighton Town Hall are every bit as atmospheric as the settings that inspire my Roy Grace novels but they hold something even more powerful – the real stories of nearly 200 years of Sussex policing.”
The Old Police Cells Museum reopens for guided tours from Saturday 16 May 2026.
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