Crowds flock to Museum of Gloucester
More than 34,000 people have visited the Museum of Gloucester this year since free admission was introduced.
Visitor numbers have rocketed, with more than 34,000 people going through its doors from April to July this year, compared to 11,724 in the same period last year – an increase of almost 200 per cent!
The surge in popularity comes after a decision was taken earlier this year to offer FREE admission to the museum, in Brunswick Road, and only charge for special exhibitions. The Tourist Information Service also relocated into the museum from its previous base in Southgate Street, which has led to a rise in footfall.
The museum is packed with interesting exhibitions and attractions which have enticed the public to visit:
The Moon Exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing has proved to be highly popular and runs until Saturday 21 September.
Some of the many stunning exhibits on display include an inflatable 3m Moon, Moon maps and newspapers from the day of the landings, lunar rock samples, replica models of rockets, modules and computers and even a replica space suit! There is plenty to keep children amused too, such as a fun interactive zone, space costumes to try on and a reading corner. Entry to the exhibition costs £3.50 for 17+, £1.50 for 4-16-year-olds and 0-3 go free of charge.
An exhibition featuring puppets and paintings by William Simmonds runs from 12 October until 18 April next year. It links with the city’s winter festival including an exciting Christmas Show at the Guildhall and the annual Lantern Procession, both of which are puppetry themed.
A Ben Uri exhibition of works by migrant and refugee artists from the end of the 19th century to the present day is also being held from 2 October to 25 January.
Other stunning artefacts of interest to the public include a Roman mosaic, column and remains of impressive city walls. Also on display are The Birdlip Mirror, one of the finest items of Celtic art to survive in Britain that dates back to AD 50, and The Gloucester Tables Game, an early version of backgammon which is the oldest complete tables set in the world.
Cllr Steve Morgan, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “I’m delighted so many people are visiting the Museum of Gloucester. It shows the benefit of offering free admission as we have opened up all of this wonderful heritage to so many more people. I hope even more will visit to see the stunning exhibitions and artefacts on display.”
For further details about what’s on at the museum and a full programme of events, pick up the Museum of Gloucester July-September brochure, visit the website at www.museumofgloucester.co.uk or call the museum on 01452 396131.