Collection size 20,000 | ||
 | ||
Established 26 October 1904 (1904-10-26) Website www.westberks.gov.uk/museum Hours Closed now Friday10AM–4PMSaturday10AM–4PMSunday10AM–4PMMondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesday10AM–4PMThursday10AM–4PMSuggest an edit Similar Shaw House - Berkshire, Donnington Castle, Corn Exchange - Newbury, St Nicolas Church - Newbury, Sandham Memorial Chapel Profiles | ||
West berkshire minority ethnic forum culture fest 2009
The West Berkshire Museum is a museum located in Newbury, Berkshire. Established in 1904, the museum houses various artworks and collections. The museum is housed in two of Newbury's most historic buildings. The Cloth Hall was built in 1626-1627 by Richard Emmes, a master carpenter of Speenhamland for the Newbury Corporation as a cloth factory. Originally part of a larger range of buildings with a courtyard in the centre, the building was subsequently used as a workhouse, hospital and school before being used for storing corn from 1829 until its conversion to a museum.
Contents
The museum itself hosts eleven different exhibitions galleries, café, resource and discovery centre. Opening hours are Monday (bank holidays only 10am -4pm) Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.
West Berkshire Museum is unusual in that the exhibitions are not permanent. All of its galleries change regularly, and community groups and individuals are strongly encouraged to make their own exhibitions for display.
The museum underwent a £2.2m renovation in 2014 to update its exhibit areas and visitor facilities. The funding came from the Heritage Lottery Fund (£1.2m), and the West Berkshire Council, Greenham Common Trust and the Headley Trust (£1m total).