Swindon’s art and history enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the new Museum & Art Swindon is set to open its doors on Tuesday, 9th July.
This much-anticipated opening, which has seen the museum move from Apsley House in Bath Road to the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, promises to be a treasure trove of modern and contemporary 20th Century British art, along with fascinating historical artefacts.
The previous museum and art gallery were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not reopen due to significant repair needs and accessibility concerns. However, Swindon Borough Council has since transformed the first floor of the art deco Civic Offices into a fitting home for the Borough’s exceptional collections.
Visitors can look forward to seeing one of the museum’s famous Lowry paintings and a unique perfume bottle created by Sir Grayson Perry. The history of Swindon will also be well-represented, with exhibits ranging from the fossil remains of the Welcombe Avenue Ichthyosaur to empty vaccine vials from the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at STEAM.
The new venue offers around 40 per cent more display space than its predecessor and includes improved working conditions and additional areas for staff, volunteers, and researchers. The enhanced space also presents an opportunity to restart the museum and art gallery’s volunteer programme and includes a dedicated area for school trips.
Opening exhibitions will feature:
- Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within – Supported by Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding through Wessex Museums.
- Double Take – Showcasing inspiration and creativity through artworks from the Museum & Art Swindon collections and works produced by 200 Swindon school children.
- Pieces of Me – Exploring identity through art, co-curated with Swindon’s youth.
- Origins – Highlighting diverse material collected by Museum & Art Swindon since its inception.
- The History of Swindon – Chronicles Swindon’s history from the Jurassic period to the present.
The museum will be open from Tuesday to Sunday (10.30am to 4.30pm) during its opening week, with family activities planned for the weekend. Saturday, 13th July, will feature family Art Lab sessions, including costume design, collage creation, and paper weaving. On Sunday, 14th July, History Detectives sessions will allow visitors to explore Saxon Treasure and design their own Saxon brooch or sword.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, expressed her excitement: “I’m thrilled that we’re finally able to open this amazing museum and provide a new home for Swindon’s impressive collection of art and artefacts. This is just the start of our plans to improve Swindon’s art and culture offering.”
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, added: “I’m proud of the team and the Council for getting this museum over the line. The Civic Offices is a fantastic building, and having Museum & Art Swindon located here is only going to make it a bigger part of Swindon’s offering.”
Linda Kasmaty, Chair of the Friends of Museum & Art Swindon, shared her enthusiasm: “We’re very pleased and excited that Museum & Art Swindon is opening and look forward to continuing to support them in their new premises. We predict the museum and art gallery will become a cultural beacon, attracting visitors from Swindon and beyond.”
A new website has also been launched for Museum & Art Swindon, providing additional information and resources for visitors.
