Chance to learn about exhibits at new Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Children and adults will get the chance to find out more about the items on display at the new Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, when two special learning programmes begin in early 2014. 

The schools programme will reflect the strengths of Shrewsbury’s history, with primary-aged children finding out how Charles Darwin’s insatiable curiosity for the natural world as a boy led him to publish his theory on the evolution of man as an adult. 

As part of their ‘Darwin day’ they will study dinosaurs, undertake experiments and spend time with Shropshire Wildlife Trust.  Further sessions will be on offer to help pupils understand more about life during the Tudor period through studying the portraits and everyday objects in the museum. 

They will also visit Shrewsbury Castle and Shropshire Archives, dress up in replica costume and take part in short cameo performances throughout the town.  Because the art gallery is such an important part of the new museum complex, there will ‘sketchbook’ days spent in the galleries, learning how to draw and create pieces of art, based on the collections and spaces within the newly-restored building. 

Adults will have an equally exciting menu of practical workshops, short and long courses, lectures and study days to choose from, all based on the collections. 

The choice of subjects will range from archaeology to geology, painting and drawing, local history, social history, fashion, textiles and contemporary art.  Afternoon tea lectures, gallery tours, lunchtime gallery talks and finds days run by the Portable Antiquities Scheme will ensure that there really is something on offer for everyone. 

A series of gallery tours led by experienced members of Shropshire Council’s museum team will open the learning programme next year.  These free tours will give the public a chance to see the collections with an expert, and discover what further learning opportunities are planned for the following period. 

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and culture, said:

“Work to complete the new Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is continuing, but with the scaffolding down and the walls being plastered we’re now eagerly awaiting its opening, and the launch of these fantastic learning programmes.  This exciting series of interactive study packages will give people of all ages a great opportunity to discover more about the artefacts and specimens on display in the themed galleries.” 

Volunteers will be playing an important role in the new learning programme at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, acting as meeting hosts for the school and adult sessions, and also offering drop-in themed activities for visiting families during the school holidays.  

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities, please contact sarah.griffiths@shropshire.gov.uk for further information.