Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
Lancashire
BL1 1SE
England
Website
Bolton Museum & Archive Service main web site
Bolton Archives & Local Studies section
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/bolton-archives/
The Bowyer Bible site
www.bowyerbible.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Humphrey Spender site
www.spendersworktown.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Bolton Museum collections online
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/collections/
General Enquiries
Education Services
bolton.museum.education.services@bolton.gov.uk
Telephone
Museum Customer Services Team
01204 332211
Fax
Bolton Museum Office
01204 332241
Bolton is a medium sized regional museum that has its origins in the Chadwick Museum and Mere Hall Art Gallery. Both of these were merged when the new building was built in 1939 to house the collections at Le Mans Crescent in the heart of Bolton town centre.
We receive 250,000 visitors and over 5,000 enquiries each year and provide an acclaimed education programme which includes workshops for schools and colleges, a school loans service, INSET training for teachers, weekend activity programmes for families, teacher's packs, public lectures, special events and interactive exhibitions.
Venue Type:
Museum, Library, Archive, Gallery
Additional info
Most areas of the Museum, Art Gallery and Aquarium are accessible to people with disabilities, using the ramped entrance and passenger lift in the foyer.
Our Customer Service Team are always happy to help if you require assistance or information.
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
Lancashire
BL1 1SE
England
Website
Bolton Museum & Archive Service main web site
Bolton Archives & Local Studies section
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/bolton-archives/
The Bowyer Bible site
www.bowyerbible.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Humphrey Spender site
www.spendersworktown.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Bolton Museum collections online
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/collections/
General Enquiries
Education Services
bolton.museum.education.services@bolton.gov.uk
Telephone
Museum Customer Services Team
01204 332211
Fax
Bolton Museum Office
01204 332241
The museums collection includes Archaeology, Art, Botany, Egyptology, Entomology, Geology, Social History, Natural History, and Zoology.
Collection details
Toys and Hobbies, Sport, Social History, Science and Technology, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Music, Medicine, Land Transport, Industry, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archives, Archaeology
Collections services
- Object identification and/or written enquiry service
- Specialist publications on collections available
- Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
Lancashire
BL1 1SE
England
Website
Bolton Museum & Archive Service main web site
Bolton Archives & Local Studies section
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/bolton-archives/
The Bowyer Bible site
www.bowyerbible.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Humphrey Spender site
www.spendersworktown.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Bolton Museum collections online
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/collections/
General Enquiries
Education Services
bolton.museum.education.services@bolton.gov.uk
Telephone
Museum Customer Services Team
01204 332211
Fax
Bolton Museum Office
01204 332241
Thier Past Your Future
Their Past Your Future is an MLA and Big Lottery funded project that increases young people's knowledge about conflict. This exhibition involves the work of local primary schools and includes poems, drawings and posters. Photos by and of the children doing activities throughout the project will also be on display.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
9am-5pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
At the Edge: British art 1950 - 2000
This touring exhibition of art from collections of Rochdale, Preston, Oldham and Bolton shows British artworks from the 1950s to the present day. It shows work from a host of well known British artists. These include Henry Moore, Lucian Freud, Andy Goldsworthy, Helen Chadwick and Jacob Epstein.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
9am-5pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
Lancashire
BL1 1SE
England
Website
Bolton Museum & Archive Service main web site
Bolton Archives & Local Studies section
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/bolton-archives/
The Bowyer Bible site
www.bowyerbible.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Humphrey Spender site
www.spendersworktown.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Bolton Museum collections online
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/collections/
General Enquiries
Education Services
bolton.museum.education.services@bolton.gov.uk
Telephone
Museum Customer Services Team
01204 332211
Fax
Bolton Museum Office
01204 332241
Family History Course
Have you started researching your family history but come to a dead end? Brush up your skills with Bolton & District Family History Society, who will be hosting a five-week intermediate course at Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive. Subjects covered include parish records, probate pre 1858, courts and criminals, and online documents. Light refreshments provided.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
10am-12pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
£25 per person. Please contact Margaret Calderbank on 01204 406 735 or Barbara Owen on 01204 30 9515 to book in advance. Saturday mornings only. There are a maximum number of 25 places available. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Lunchtime Talk - The secret world of bumblebees
A free, informal lunchtime talk Don Stenhouse, Curator of Natural Sciences. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the lecture.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Victorian Week
A week of events all about Victorians including an opportunity to become a Victorian servant. Experience a Victorian school class every day at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Please note places for the classroom sessions are limited. Please book on the day to secure your place. Free entry all week for children. The event takes place Tuesday -Sunday except Saturday.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
12-5pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road,Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
£3 adults, £2 concessions, children FREE.
Easter Tudor Crafts
Join us for some egg painting and an egg hunt around the museum.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
Adults £2, children & concessions £1
George Marsh Day
Commemorate the anniversary of the legendary martyr George Marsh, who left his 'bloody footbprint' at Smithills Hall. Visit the room where George Marsh was interrogated before his death! This room is normally closed to the public.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
12-5pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £3, children / concessions £2. Advance booking required. To book please call Smithills Hall on 01204 33 2377.
May Day Tudor Crafts
Come along and make some traditional Tudor objects including crowns and swords.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
£2 adults, £1 children and concessions.
George Marsh Ghost Hunt
Commemorate the anniversary of the legendary martyr George Marsh who left his 'bloody footprint' at Smithills Hall. Join us as we hunt for the ghost of George Marsh. Strictly over 18's only. Advance booking required.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
8pm-12am
Where
Smithills Hall, Smitills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Tickets £25. To book please contact Smithills Hall on 01204 33 2377.
Lunchtime Talk - 'Meet the Simpsons': The story of Bolton architects Jonathan Simpson & Son
A free, informal lunchtime talk with Caroline Furey, Archivist. Jonathan Simpson and his son James Lomax built many houses, churches, schools and pubs in Bolton. Bolton Museum and Archive Service holds a large collection of their architectural drawings and there will be the opportunity to view some of these after the talk. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the lecture.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Admission
Free
May Day Bank Holiday Tours
Come along and join in one of our special tours of Hall i' th' Wood Museum. Find out about the history of this great hall, and Samuel Crompton who invented the spinning mule which transformed the cotton industry.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
Adults £2, children and concessions £1
'Worktown Holidays': The influence of Humphrey Spender on recent photographs of Bolton
A free, informal lunchtime talk with Caroline Edge, Photographer. Caroline will be looking at how Worktown photographer Humphrey Spender’s photographs of Bolton in the 1930s influenced her to take photographs of Bolton today. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Craft Fair
Browse and buy some handmade crafts in the beautiful surroundings of Smithills Hall.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
1-4pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
£1 entry for adults and children
Celebrate Father's Day
Entry to the hall is £1.50 for dads and their children go free. Make something crafty for dad too.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
12-4pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
£3 adults, £2 concessions. Dads are £1.50 and thier children go free.
Lunchtime Talk - 'Cabinet of Curiosities': Objects from the natural world
A free, informal lunchtime talk with Patricia Francis, Curator of Natural Science. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the lecture.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Moth Morning
Join us as we release moths from a light trap and record how many different ones we have. Light refreshments can be purchased. The event is FREE. Smithills Hall opens at 12pm. Everyone who attends the moth morning can get 50% off thier admission to the hall.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
10am-12pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Free.
Family Garden Party
Lots of outdoor hands on family activities from a teddy bear's picnic to balloon making.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
12-4pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £3, concessions £2, children free
Summer Sunshine Crafts
Take part in a different craft activity every Thursday afternoon during the summer holidays. Free entry for children.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
£2 adults, £1 concessions, children free. Thursdays only.
Lunchtime Talk - 'More than just a shop': The Co-operative movement in Bolton
A free, informal lunchtime talk with Ben Whittaker, Collections Rationalisation Officer. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the lecture.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Summer Freedom at Smithills Hall
Entry for both adults and children to Smithills Hall is free throughout August. Please note this offer does not include special events. Visit www.boltonmuseums.org.uk for details on events and admission prices. Throughout August the hall will be open Tuesday - Friday and Sunday from 12pm - 5pm.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
12-5pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Free
Summer Freedom at Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Entry for both adults and children to Hall i' th' Wood Museum is free throughout Please note this offer does not include special events. Visit www.boltonmuseums.org.uk for details on events and admission prices. Throughout August, the museum will be open Thursday - Sunday 12pm - 5pm.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
12-5pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
Free
Merlin Day
Come along for all things Merlin-themed! Activities include crafts and magic shows. Advance booking essential.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
10am-1pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £3, concessions £2, children FREE. To book please call Smithills Hall on 01204 33 2377.
'The Dark Night': Bat Hunt
Last year's bat hunting event was so popular we just had to do it again! Join Don Stenhouse, Curator of Natural Sciences for Bolton Museum and Archive Service, as we turn bat detective. Suitable outdoor footwear is advisable. Light refreshments can be purchased. Smithills Hall Museum will be closed to the public during this event. Please contact Smithills Hall book in advance.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
8-10:30pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £3, children / concessions £2. Please call 01204 33 2377 or email smithills@bolton.gov.uk.
'Lunchtime Talk - 'Beautiful Books': Bolton Libraries book rarities
A free, informal lunchtime talk with Steven Hartshorne, Team Librarian. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the lecture.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton, Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Mass Trespass Walk and Talk
Join local author Paul Salveson for a talk and guided walk on the protests against the Smithills estate owner Colonel Ainsworth's plans to stop people 'trespassing' through the surrounding land on this very day in 1896. We will also be putting on display some of our archives.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10:30am-3pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
£3 adults, £2 children / concessions.
Heritage Open Days at Smithills Hall
Smithills Hall will be opening its doors to the public for free to celebrate Heritage Open Days (normally £3 / £2). Please note that Smithills Hall museum will be closed to the public on Saturday 11th September.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
12-5pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Free
Heritage Open Day at Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Free entrance to the museum to celebrate Heritage Open Days (normally £2 / £1).
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
12-5pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
Free
Lunchtime Talk - "Evenin' all": A look at Bolton Borough police records
A free, informal lunchtime talk with Julie Lamara, Local Studies Librarian. Free tea and coffee is provided and you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the lecture.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
An Art-tastic Easter
Bring out the artist in you with two weeks of free events to celebrate the Easter holidays. All week there's a competition to win some art materials, and a chance to do a family picture trail in the Art Gallery and Children's Library. There's a colouring table in the Children's Library, and craft activities on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mid-week activities take place at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, and Saturday activities are from 1.30pm - 4pm. All craft activities are expected to be very busy. Please book on the day to secure your place. Visit our website for details on each day's activity.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
9am-5pm
Where
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
Admission
Free
Halloween Hoots
As well as free entry for all children, there will be special activities such as spooky crafts, quizzes, and listening to ghost stories!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
Adults £2, concessions £1, children FREE
Vampire Week
Vamp up Smithills Hall for Halloween! Activities include storytelling and a gothic quiz.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £3, concesions £2, children FREE
Ghost Investigation
Come and investigate the ghosts at Hall i' th' Wood Museum with Ghost Tours UK. Light refreshments included.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
8-8pm
Where
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Green Way, off Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA
Admission
Tickets £25. To book please call Smithills Hall on 01204 33 2377.
Ghost and History Tour
Find out all about the fascinating history of this great hall and some of the unexplained spooky goings-on. Tours will be led by members of the Friends of Smithills Hall.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
7-8:30pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £8, concessions £6
Christmas Decorations
Come and see Smithills Hall decorated in traditional Medieval, Tudor and Victorian decorations. The decorations have been researched and installed by the Friends of Smithills Hall.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
From 12pm
Where
Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP
Admission
Adults £3, children / concessions £2
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
Lancashire
BL1 1SE
England
Website
Bolton Museum & Archive Service main web site
Bolton Archives & Local Studies section
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/bolton-archives/
The Bowyer Bible site
www.bowyerbible.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Humphrey Spender site
www.spendersworktown.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Bolton Museum collections online
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/collections/
General Enquiries
Education Services
bolton.museum.education.services@bolton.gov.uk
Telephone
Museum Customer Services Team
01204 332211
Fax
Bolton Museum Office
01204 332241
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
Lancashire
BL1 1SE
England
Website
Bolton Museum & Archive Service main web site
Bolton Archives & Local Studies section
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/bolton-archives/
The Bowyer Bible site
www.bowyerbible.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Humphrey Spender site
www.spendersworktown.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Bolton Museum collections online
www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/collections/
General Enquiries
Education Services
bolton.museum.education.services@bolton.gov.uk
Telephone
Museum Customer Services Team
01204 332211
Fax
Bolton Museum Office
01204 332241
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