West Berkshire Museum facts for kids
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West Berkshire Museum (The Granary) in 2011, prior to renovation
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| Established | 26 October 1904 |
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| Location | Newbury, Berkshire |
| Collection size | 38,000 |
The West Berkshire Museum is a cool place in Newbury, Berkshire. It keeps many interesting artworks and collections. These items tell the story of Newbury and the wider West Berkshire area. The museum first opened in 1904. It is located inside two very old and important buildings in Newbury. One of these is the Cloth Hall. It was built way back in 1627! A skilled carpenter named Richard Emmes built it. It was first used as a factory for making cloth. Over the years, this building was also a workhouse, a hospital, and a school. From 1829, it stored corn before becoming the museum you see today.
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What Can You See and Do at the Museum?
The West Berkshire Museum has lots to explore. You can visit its exhibition galleries. There is also a cozy café where you can relax. If you love history, you can check out the local history library. The museum also has a conference room. Groups can rent this room for meetings or events.
Discover West Berkshire's Past
One main exhibition tells the amazing story of West Berkshire. It starts with the very old geology of the area. Then, it shares stories of the people who have lived there. You can learn about early ancestors. You will also meet famous characters like Jack O'Newbury. These people helped create the towns and villages. They built the roads and canals. They also shaped the fields, farms, and industries. All these things make West Berkshire what it is today.
Explore Special Art and Exhibits
On the second floor, you will find more galleries. These often feature special, changing exhibitions. This means there is always something new to see! Gallery 5 is also on this floor. Artists can rent this space. They use it to show off their original artwork. You might see cool sculptures or crafts here.
How to Visit the Museum
It is free to enter the West Berkshire Museum. However, donations are always welcome. Your donations help the museum in many ways. They help add new items to the collections. They also help take care of the old buildings. This ensures the museum can stay open for everyone to enjoy.
Modern Updates for a Historic Place
The museum had a big renovation in 2014. This project cost £2.2 million. The goal was to update the exhibition areas. They also improved the visitor facilities. Funding came from several places. The Heritage Lottery Fund gave £1.2 million. West Berkshire Council, Greenham Common Trust, and the Headley Trust gave the remaining £1 million. Thanks to these updates, the museum is even better for visitors today.
