Museums across Bath & North East Somerset will host an exciting programme of special events and activities over October half-term for Museums Week (27 October to 4 November 2018).
Organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council, Museums Week celebrates the unique collections and activities in our local museums. All activities are free for residents with a Discovery Card.
Councillor Paul Myers, cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “There will be something for everyone, from talks and tours to film screenings and food tastings, plus plenty of family-friendly activities to keep children entertained over the October half-term holidays. We hope many residents will take the opportunity to enjoy these special events and activities for free with a Discovery Card.”
Highlights of Museums Week 2018 include:
- Admire the mythical Gorgon’s head carving from the Temple of Sulis Minerva at the Roman Baths, and make a monstrous Gorgon’s head badge
- Have a go at weaving tartan patterns using paper, elastic and fabric strips at the Fashion Museum
- See a gold posy ring and other objects found in Keynsham at a special handling session organised by the Roman Baths at Keynsham Civic Centre. Make a posy ring for someone special and write a short poem to go inside.
- Learn about the history of maps in Somerset and Bath at an illustrated talk at Bath Record Office
- Use wax crayons and watercolours to create a clever effect in the Picturesque Pots workshop at the Victoria Art Gallery. Follow the Gallery trail to seek out special shapes and silhouettes.
- Visit the Mayor’s Parlour and see 800 years of history, including the city’s Royal Charters, gold and silver collection, ceremonial maces, sword and robes
- Find out about building work taking place for the Footprint Project at Bath Abbey, take part in hands-on activities, and see some of the things that have been found beneath the Abbey’s floor
- Take a tour of William Beckford’s retreat at Beckford’s Tower and explore Lansdown Cemetery, once Beckford’s beautiful garden surrounding the Tower, where he is buried
- Visit the Wonder Women of Science exhibition at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and then bring a character to life on a poster using graphics
- Make a mini stage set complete with ghastly ghouls and scary skeletons at the Holburne Museum. Halloween costumes optional!
- Celebrate Halloween at Museum of East Asian Art by exploring some of the monsters, demons and spooky animals in East Asian traditions, and make a painted mask inspired by these creatures.
- Help the Museum of Bath at Work celebrate its 40th birthday with vintage film screenings and discussions
- Meet outside Radstock Museum for a 15-minute walk to a nearby coal spoil heap to search for fossils. Bring a small hammer and a bag to collect your finds!
- Enjoy a tasting of famous Sally Lunn’s buns – there will be a different sweet topping on offer every morning during Museums Week
- Follow the clues on the Children’s Trail and collect stickers at each museum
Advance booking is required for some events. For full event listings please visit www.bathmuseumsweek.co.uk.
For information about Discovery Cards visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard.
