West Berkshire Museum, Newbury
West Berkshire Museum
The Wharf
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5AS
England
Website
www.westberkshiremuseum.org.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
01635 519562
Museum Manager
01635 519231
The Museum is closed to the public until 1 April 2010 for essential collection care work.
Due to fire safety restrictions, only two ground floor galleries are open to the public; there is unfortunately no public access to the galleries in the Cloth Hall or on the first floor. There is a programme of temporary exhibitions providing access to the collections.
The museum is housed in two of Newbury's most historic buildings. The Cloth Hall was built in 1626-1627 as a cloth factory and workhouse. The Corn Stores (also known as the Granary) was built circa 1725 following opening of the River Kennet Navigation.
Venue Type:
Museum
Additional info
Group/School Visits
All groups of 10+ are requested to book in advance. (NB The museum is currently limited to a maximum of 35 visitors at a time) Please call the museum office on 01635 519562. More information about getting the most out of your visit is available here.
Access
Only ground floor galleries are currently open. These are accessible to most wheelchair users, but there are some narrow doorways and a shallow threshold at the entrance door.
Guide and hearing dogs are welcome. Seating is located throughout the galleries. Text versions of the audio visual commentary. Staff are able to give assistance if required.
Light Levels
Please note that light levels in some galleries are kept low in order to preserve delicate materials
Camera & Video
No photography or video is allowed without a permit.
Toilets
There are no public toilets in the Museum. Good facilities are located in the car park opposite
Please phone 01635 519562 to make appointments for:
Group Visits
Information Enquiries
Use of the Library and other resources
See the website for details of events and special exhibitions
West Berkshire Museum
The Wharf
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5AS
England
Website
www.westberkshiremuseum.org.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
01635 519562
Museum Manager
01635 519231
The Museum's Collections cover a range of subjects including:
· Archaeology
· Books
· Costume & Accessories
· Ephemera (eg programmes, certificates)
· Fine and Decorative Art
· Geology
· Maps
· Natural History
· Numismatics (coins and medals)
· Photographs
· Rural Life
· Social History
· Trade & Industry.
The Museum's Galleries illustrate aspects of West Berkshire's history from prehistoric times to the present day. Space is limited, which means that only a few stories can be depicted using a small part of the collections. Moreover, some objects are too heavy, or too fragile to be placed in the galleries. The objects which are not on display are stored and cared for behind the scenes in the Museum's stores. They are used for temporary exhibitions in the Museum and throughout West Berkshire, as well as for research by staff and visitors; many of them will be used in future Museum displays. They may not be on view at the moment, but the museum makes its best efforts to provide access to all the collections.
Collection details
Weapons and War, Trade and Commerce, Toys and Hobbies, Social History, Photography, Natural Sciences, Inland Waterways, Industry, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archives, Archaeology, Agriculture
Key artists and exhibits
- Due to the limited number of galleries able to be opened to the public, the Museum's collections are explored through a programme of temporary exhibitions and changing displays. Please check for details of what is on display before visiting to avoid dissappointment.
West Berkshire Museum
The Wharf
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5AS
England
Website
www.westberkshiremuseum.org.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
01635 519562
Museum Manager
01635 519231
West Berkshire Archaeology
A special exhibition featuring recent discoveries and finds from the past.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10:30am-4pm
Where
West Berkshire Museum
Admission
Free
The Kennet & Avon Canal
A special exhibition celebrating 200 years of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10:30am-5pm
Where
West Berkshire Museum
Admission
Free
West Berkshire Museum
The Wharf
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5AS
England
Website
www.westberkshiremuseum.org.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
01635 519562
Museum Manager
01635 519231
West Berkshire Museum
The Wharf
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5AS
England
Website
www.westberkshiremuseum.org.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
01635 519562
Museum Manager
01635 519231
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