The Salisbury Museum Has Opened 3 Brand New Galleries
On the 13th July, The Salisbury Museum held the grand opening of its three new galleries as part of its £5.1m renovation project and we went for a preview the day before it opened…
What is The Salisbury Museum?
The Salisbury Museum, located in the King’s House in Cathedral Close, was founded in 1860 by Dr Richard Fowler to showcase an incredible collection of medieval items that were recovered in the 1850s when the old water channels were replaced with sewers.
Today, the museum boasts a vast collection of items from south Wiltshire’s history including significant archaeological finds, local art collections and other items related to our City’s history.
What was the renovation project?
Spanning over several years, the Salisbury Museum underwent a £5.1m renovation project, with £3.2m granted from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the remaining £1.2m received from donations and pledges.
The project sought to revamp the permanent galleries, renovate its Grade-I listed building (dating back to the 13th Century), provide more learning and events opportunities as well as a more accessible visitor experience.
The 3 New Galleries
Combining items that were previously on display at the museum as well as items that were previously in storage, the new galleries are modern and interactive.
Devenish Bradshaw Salisbury Gallery
This gallery tells Salisbury’s story from 1220 to the 21st century and includes a wide range of items including a mummified cat, the drainage collection, and the Salisbury Giant.
Ceramics Gallery
This gallery showcases British ceramics from prehistory to the present day, in a bright, beautiful room overlooking the Cathedral.
Natural History Gallery
This gallery houses the museum’s collection of natural history including rocks and fossils found in Wiltshire, a family of otters from the 19th century and a butterfly bank.
Visiting the Salisbury Museum
The Salisbury Museum is a not-for-profit organisation and the admission prices are as follows:
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Family: £30.00 (2 adults and up to 4 children) Donation/Gift Aid* (£27.25 Standard Entry)
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Adult: £12.00 Donation/Gift Aid* (£10.90 Standard Entry)
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Child: (5 to 15 yrs) £6.00 Donation/Gift Aid* (£5.40 Standard Entry)
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Under 5’s: FREE
It’s open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, and there is a shop and cafe on site too.
Have you been to see the new galleries at The Salisbury Museum yet?
