Heritage Open Days are England’s biggest festival of history and culture. In Somerset the South West Heritage Trust is inviting people to celebrate two outstanding local museums with open days and tours on Saturday 10 September.
In Glastonbury the Somerset Rural Life Museum is currently undergoing a major £2.4 million redevelopment. When it re-opens in the spring of 2017 the museum will tell the story of Somerset’s rich rural and social history. It will provide a family-friendly destination which has learning, access and discovery at its heart, welcoming thousands of visitors annually.
In Taunton the popular Museum of Somerset is celebrating its fifth birthday. The museum opened in September 2011 following a major refurbishment. Visitors to the museum in 2015 passed 100,000 making it the attraction’s most successful year to date. Highlights included the Alfred Jewel and the Lego exhibition.
Tom Mayberry, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, said: “We’re delighted by the success of the Museum of Somerset over the past five years and the special place it has gained within the community. We look forward to re-opening the Somerset Rural Life Museum, next year, and welcoming visitors to a wonderful new local attraction.”
There will be guided tours throughout the day, 10.00 am–4.00 pm, at Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, BA6 8DB, to see work in progress. No booking is required, and entry is free. Access is limited due to on-going building works and sturdy footwear is advised.
There will be guided tours at 10.30 am, 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton, TA1 4AA. Booking is advised on 01823 255088, and entry is free.
The museums are of part of The South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage.
Please Wait...