Bridport Museum facts for kids
The Bridport Museum is a cool place to visit in Bridport, Dorset, England. It's a museum that tells the story of the town and its people. The museum is inside a really old building from the early 1500s. This building is called "The Castle" and is on South Street. It's so old and special that it's been a "Grade II* Listed" building since 1950, which means it's protected for its history.
The Museum's Story
How the Museum Started
The Bridport Museum and Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1932. A man named Captain Alfred Percy Codd started it. He bought "The Castle" building in 1931 for £1,800. Captain Codd then offered to give the building to the Bridport Borough Council. He had one condition: it had to become a museum and art gallery. He wanted his own paintings to be shown there. The council agreed, and the museum officially opened on May 28, 1932.
Changes and Updates Over Time
Over the years, different groups have helped manage the museum. In 1974, the West Dorset District Council took over its management. Then, in 2002, the Bridport Museum Trust started looking after it.
The museum closed in 2016 for a big makeover. This project cost £1.3 million! Money came from many places, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Bridport Town Council, West Dorset District Council, and donations from people. The museum reopened in May 2017. It had brand new galleries and displays, and the old building had been repaired.
