Public invited to behind the scenes tour of Shrewsbury’s new museum and art gallery

Residents and visitors are invited to a unique opportunity to attend a ‘behind the scenes’ tour at one of Shrewsbury’s biggest building restoration projects.

The complex of buildings that will become the new Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery will be open to the public for pre-booked tours on Saturday 24 September between 12pm and 3pm.

The ex-Music Hall complex is currently undergoing major restoration work to repair and preserve the buildings prior to the development of a new museum and art gallery for the town and tourist information centre.

Shropshire Council, together with ISG Construction, the main contractor for the museum project, have organised an open afternoon at the site at The Square in Shrewsbury, to give locals and visitors a chance to see work in progress.

Visitors will get to hear about the project, see what has been discovered during the work, and find out about the many activities which are also going on behind the scenes to prepare for the new museum.

Councillor Mike Owen, Cabinet member with responisbility for business support, tourism and culture, said:

“There has been a lot of interest in the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery project. The ex-Music Hall is still very much a building site, but we have organised a fantastic opportunity for people to come along to see what is going on behind the scenes and to hear about our exciting plans.  I would really encourage people to come along on Saturday 24 September and to join us on this wonderful tour and experience one of Shropshire’s finest heritage buildings.”  

Potential visitors should be aware that the ex-Music Hall is still very much a building site with a dusty environment and uneven surfaces.  Please be aware that normal access arrangements, lifts, etc, are not in place.

Visitors are advised to wear stout shoes for the tour and enter the site through the gates on Swan Hill where they will be met your guides.

Guided tours will take approximately 30-45 minutes.  Tours start 12 noon, 12.45pm, 1.15pm, with the last tour starting at 2pm.  Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your tour.

Booking is essential as places are limited.  To book your place call 01743 361196 or email shrewsburymuseum@shropshire.gov.uk, leaving your name, contact details and the numbers in your party.

For more information about the event and the project please contact Shropshire Council’s museums service on 01743 281205.

The project has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.