The Bridport Museum revamp has been given the seal of approval by one of the top Museum sector magazines. The Museums Journal has published a glowing 4-page review which describes the recent redevelopment as “a fine addition to the Jurassic Coast’s museum scene’ as well as a ‘delight to visit’, with ‘something to offer every visitor.”
Camilla Hampshire is Museum Manager at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, and is also a Trustee of Bridport Museum. She said: “The Museums Association is regarded as ‘the’ professional membership organisation for the sector – so to achieve such a review as this is a fantastic accolade, and recognition of a project brilliant achieved with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and community commitment.”
Visitors are also clearly enjoying themselves, with comments such as: “Couldn’t believe how this museum has transformed. Tactile and child friendly”; “This is the way to go for museums. It relates history to community”, and, “What a refreshing and uplifting experience.”
Sam Scriven from the Jurassic Coast Trust said of the museum’s geology display, “The Bridport Museum revamp has been a great success. The new cabinets really show Bridport’s local fossils in their best light. From brittle stars to plesiosaurs the spectacular specimens on display come in all shapes and sizes. There are even oddities such as Garnets from Australia! My personal favorite is the section about how stone has helped shape the town paired with recordings of two geologists talking about their passion for rocks and fossils”
If you haven’t already visited the Museum since the re-opening, there is plenty more opportunity this Winter! The Museum is extending its opening hours and now doing regular rope-making demonstrations on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 11am. These events and more have all been made possible made possible by money raised by National Lottery players. The project was funded by a £841,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
For opening hours, and more details about what’s on, visit the museum’s website or Facebook page.
Bridport Museum Trust is a registered charity, which runs an Accredited Museum, and a Local History Centre right in the centre of Bridport. The Museum organises a regular programme of temporary exhibitions, family activities, fundraising events, talks for local groups and other outreach events. There is also an education programme which supports local schools and community groups. The Museum underwent a major refurbishment in 2016-2017, and re-opened in May 2017.
