John Bunyan Museum and Library

John Bunyan Museum and Library
Bunyan Meeting
Mill Street
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK40 3EU
England

Website

www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

E-mail

curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk

Telephone

01234 270303

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
baby changing facilities icon Food icon Guided tours icon Shop icon Library icon Study area icon Wheelchair access icon

The John Bunyan Museum tells the story of John Bunyan (1628 -1688), the renowned author, pastor and preacher. Visitors to the museum are able to take a walk through Bunyan’s life and times. See 17th Century Bedford, hear Bunyan tell his story and visit him in prison.

The Pilgrim's Progress, his most famous work, has been translated into over 200 languages, many examples of which can be seen in the museum. The museum showcases some of the objects owned and used by Bunyan from the anvil he used as a tinker, to the jug believed to have been used by Bunyan’s blind daughter to take ale or soup to her father in prison.

Quizzes and trails allow children to navigate Bunyan’s amazing story at their own pace.

John Bunyan became the minister of the church following his release from prison in 1672. He remained until his death in 1688. The present building was opened in 1850.

Scenes from The Pilgrim’s Progress are depicted on the magnificent bronze entrance doors and in some of the finest samples of 20th and 21st century stained glass windows. This beautiful building, steeped in Christian history, is today a living centre of Christian worship and service to the community.

Venue Type:

Museum, Library, Archive, Heritage site

 Opening hours

February half-term to October half-term
Tues-Sat 11.00-16.00 Last entry 15.45
Groups/School parties are welcome throughout the year by prior arrangement

Closed: Good Friday

 Admission charges

Free

Discounts

  • Museums Association
  • British Association of Friends of Museums

Additional info

The Library is open by appointment only.

Collection details

Archives, Fine Art, Personalities, Social History, Religion

Exhibition details are listed below, you may need to scroll down to see them all.
Embroidered postcard with Union Jack Flag, underneath reads Forget me not.

Lest We Forget

  • 15 July — 1 November 2014 *on now

John Bunyan Museum and Bunyan Meeting commemorates the start of World War I in 1914, with the free exhibition “Lest we forget”. The exhibition looks at how the war affected people from across Bedfordshire. Running from the 15th July to the 1st November 2014, the exhibition will include family friendly activities with the chance to draw your own medal which will go into our exhibition.

Suitable for

  • Any age
Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.
Soldiers in Bunyan Canteen, World War I

‘World War I at Bunyan’

  • 2 August 2014 10:30am-3:30pm

On Saturday 2nd August, 10.30am – 3.30pm, Bunyan Meeting and John Bunyan Museum are transforming the large hall back into the canteen set-up for soldiers during World War I. There will be fun for all the family with wartime themed food, songs and sing-alongs, and children’s craft activities, as the church’s large hall is turned back 100 years into the ‘Bunyan Canteen’.

Suitable for

  • Any age
photograph of german ww1 medal

‘Clay Medals’

  • 7 August 2014 11:30am-3:30pm

Children can learn more about World War One and be inspired every Thursday in August with a fun programme of children’s craft activities.

Suitable for

  • 7-10
  • 5-6
  • 11-13

Admission

£2.00 per child drop-in.
John Bunyan stained glass window

Heritage Open Days: John Bunyan Museum & Library

  • 13 September 2014 11am-3:45pm

John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, is one of Bedford’s most famous sons. Visit the museum and take a walk through Bunyan’s life and times and discover more about the renowned author, pastor and preacher. There will be various displays on in the building, including the museum’s summer exhibition ‘Lest we forget' and children’s craft activities.

Suitable for

  • Any age
  • Family friendly

Website

http://www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk

advertisement