Champney Treasure House facts for kids
Champney Treasure House, located in Beverley, England.
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| Former name | The Treasure House |
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| Location | Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Type | History museum |
The Champney Treasure House is a special cultural center in the town of Beverley, England. It's a place where you can explore history, art, and local stories all under one roof. The building is run by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Inside, you'll find the East Riding Archives, Beverley Library, and Beverley Art Gallery. There's also a museum, a coffee shop, and a gift shop. One of the coolest features is "The Tower" on the top floor. It's a viewing platform where you can see amazing 360-degree views of the town and the famous Beverley Minster.
Contents
History of the Building
The original building is a historic landmark. It was built in two parts over a hundred years ago. The library on the ground floor opened in 1906, and the art gallery on the first floor opened in 1910.
The money to build this amazing place came from John Edward Champney. He was a successful businessman who was born in Beverley and wanted to give something back to his hometown.
Growing and Changing
In 1928, a new section was added to the building. This created more space for a reference library and a lecture room, which is now used for art exhibitions.
Many years later, in 2004, work began on a big, modern extension to create what was then called The Treasure House. To mark the start of the project, a time capsule was buried. It was filled with items from local schools showing what life was like at the time. The plan is to open the capsule in 2054, fifty years after it was buried!
The new and improved building officially opened in 2007. More recently, the building had another major update. It closed in September 2023 for a £3.3 million project and reopened to the public on December 9, 2024, with new and improved facilities.
What You Can Explore Inside
The Champney Treasure House has several different areas for the public to visit and enjoy. Each one offers a unique experience.
Archives and Local Studies
When you first walk in, you'll find the research room for the East Riding Archives. Here, you can look through old books, newspapers, photos, and documents about the history of the East Riding of Yorkshire. If you need help, expert archivists are there to guide you.
You can also peek into the conservation workshop through large windows. There, you can watch specialists carefully repair old books, pictures, and other historical items.
Beverley Library
Down the main hallway is the Beverley Library. It has everything you'd expect from a modern library, including books to borrow, computers to use, and a cozy children's area. It's a great place to read, study, or just relax.
Beverley Art Gallery
Upstairs on the first floor is the beautiful Beverley Art Gallery. The gallery is in the original part of the building and has a classic Edwardian style. It was created to be a place of pride for the town, and it still is today.
The gallery shows off its collection of British art, including works by local artists like Frederick William Elwell and Mary Dawson Elwell. It is also home to a famous painting called ‘A Panic’ by Henry William Banks Davis. It's known as the world's largest cattle painting!
Past Art Exhibitions
The gallery often hosts special exhibitions. Some recent ones have included:
- Matisse: Drawing with Scissors (2023)
- Home is So Sad, by Yeonkyoung Lee and Sam Robinson (2023)
- Walk This Way, by Ian & Stef Mitchell (2023)
- Reflections of Japan in East Yorkshire (2021–2022)
Champney Treasure House Museum
Also on the first floor is the museum, which displays the 'East Riding Treasures'. You can learn about the area's geology, wildlife, and people. A major highlight is the South Cave Weapons Cache, an important collection of real Iron Age swords.
The museum is also great for kids, with fun activities like puzzles, drawing, and even dressing-up costumes. There are also smaller galleries that show temporary displays, often created by local groups.
