WARWICK’S Market Hall Museum has thrown open its doors after a £1.5million facelift.
The museum showcasing the history of Warwickshire has been modernised thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding.
The new-look features accessible technology – including touch-screen tablets featuring information about the displays – with a theme focusing on ‘Made Here, Getting Here and Living Here’ running through the exhibitions. There is also a small cinema showing short films on local life and events.
Among notable exhibits are the iconic Giant Irish Deer skeleton, a full-sized replica of the Wilmcote Plesiosaur skeleton, and famous 16th century Sheldon Tapestry of Warwickshire.
Interactive stations for youngsters to enjoy as they explore also feature – from Lego dinosaurs to a dressing up station and more.
The revamped museum, run by Warwickshire County Council, also boasts a new cafe on site as well as the gift shop.
Spokesman Coun Jeff Clarke said: “By combining sector-leading accessibility with a dynamic and varied county collection, the redeveloped Market Hall Museum offers an exciting new visitor attraction for people of all ages.
“Containing old favourites including the Sheldon Tapestry, Oisin the Giant Irish Deer, and the Warwick Bear, the museum will also display items from the collection previously not on display including the Hans Frei Lute, textile collections and the exclusive Warwickshire Dinosaur.”
The Our Warwickshire Project has also benefited from the lottery funding with regular workshops for people to share memories and the creation of an online archive.
Visitor donations, the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group, Friends of the Warwickshire County Record Office, King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, the Geologists’ Association, Warwickshire Local History Society and the Art Fund Treasure Plus Award also contributed to the revamp.
Visit www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk for more information.
