Museum to open its doors after £1.5million revamp - The Leamington Observer

Museum to open its doors after £1.5million revamp

Leamington Editorial 13th Feb, 2017 Updated: 13th Feb, 2017   0

WARWICK’S Market Hall Museum is throwing its doors open this weekend after being closed for more than a year.

People can once again explore the history of Warwickshire in the museum – which has had a £1.5million refurbishment – on Saturday (February 18).

The museum, which has been modernised thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding, brings new accessible technology with a theme focusing on ‘Made Here, Getting Here and Living Here’.

From locally manufactured items, collections residents have made and iconic pieces from the museum’s collections including the iconic Giant Irish Deer skeleton, a full-sized replica of the Wilmcote Plesiosaur skeleton and the Warwickshire Bear will be ready to greet visitors on the ground floor.




There is also a small cinema showing short films on local life and events.

The world-famous Sheldon Tapestry of Warwickshire can be found upstairs along with artifacts found in the county dating from Anglo-Saxon and Roman times.


Human colonisation before and after the ice ages is demonstrated by ancient stone tools discovered locally and the unique remains of a Warwickshire dinosaur also feature.

The revamped museum also boasts a new cafe on site as well as the gift shop.

Coun Jeff Clarke, spokesman for environment 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.”

Vanessa Harbar from Heritage Lottery Funding West Midlands added: “We’re delighted to have supported the redevelopment of Market Hall Museum and it’s brilliant to see its doors open.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, more people will get the chance to see the museum’s fascinating collection and to contribute their own stories, adding to the county’s rich heritage and cultural identity.”

Visit www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk for more information.

*ACTIVITIES including Arty Tots to Knit and Natter are on offer at the revamped museum.

Workshops and activities for all ages return to the market hall museum from February 21.

And there will be plenty of half term fun with Jurassic Beasts and Horace the Pliosaura on the Wednesday, a Steampunk Spectacular on the Friday and more.

Visit www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk for further details.

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