- \n
- The Museum is open for visits<\/li>\n
- The Great Hall is closed with a revised route in place for visitors<\/li>\n
- The Courtyard Caf\u00e9 is open<\/li>\n
- The RPS International Photography Exhibition 167 is open. Book your tickets.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Phase 2: From 1 Dec 2026<\/h3>\n
While contractors are working on site the museum will be closed. This is to ensure the safety of collections, staff, visitors and volunteers.<\/p>\n
Subject to the completion of work the museum is expected to reopen in late February\/ early March. We will keep you updated via the website and on social media.<\/p>\n
Need to know:<\/h4>\n
- \n
- The Museum is fully closed to visits during this period<\/li>\n
- The Courtyard Caf\u00e9 is closed<\/li>\n
- Santa\u2019s Grotto will still take place in the Almshouse Grotto and in Castle House.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- \n \n
\n Why is the museum temporarily closing?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/swheritage.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/swht\/assets\/images\/arrow_forward_ios.svg\"\/)
\n <\/a>\n \n The museum is closing temporarily to allow essential work to take place. This period will enable us to carry out improvements that will help us care for the Grade I listed Taunton Castle and the remarkable collections on display. The works will enhance the visitor experience and ensure the museum is able to welcome visitors for years to come. <\/div>\n <\/li>\n- \n \n
\n Why does the museum need to close for three months?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \n Some of the work planned cannot safely take place while the museum is open to visitors. A temporary closure allows contractors and staff to complete the project more quickly and efficiently. <\/div>\n <\/li>\n- \n \n
\n What improvements are being made?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nDuring the closure we will be updating galleries and improving facilities.<\/p>\n
The main works involve replacing the floor in the Great Hall because the rubberised surface has severely deteriorated over time. The existing floor will be removed and the substrate prepared before the installation of a new latex subfloor system and damp-proof membrane. A replacement floor surface will then be laid.<\/p>\n
The closure does provide us with an opportunity to make some further improvements for visitors. These enhancements include improvements to the cafe, welcome space and shop. We will also be updating some interpretation and interactives to improve access.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll also be working on the museum\u2019s major exhibition for 2027 which will see coins from Chew Valley Hoard go on display. Subject to the completion of works, this is expected to open in late May and will run throughout the year.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n
\n Will events continue during the temporary closure?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nEvents continue as usual until the end of November and can be found on our What\u2019s On pages.<\/a><\/p>\n
In December limited events are taking place in nearby Castle House:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Santa\u2019s Grotto<\/li>\n
- Christmas sewing workshop<\/li>\n
- Toddler Explorers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Keep on eye on the website for announcements about the 2027 exhibition and event programme.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n
\n Can I access the museum collections during the temporary closure?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nIf you have a specific research enquiry, please contact us via the website<\/a> and we will advise what assistance may be available.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n
\n Can I still contact museum staff?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nYes. Staff will continue to be available during the closure and can be contacted via museumofsomerset@swheritage.org.uk<\/a><\/p> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n
\n Are school visits affected?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \n Any visits scheduled during the closure period will be affected. Our team will be in touch to discuss alternative arrangements where possible.\nOur outreach work in schools continues as normal. <\/div>\n <\/li>\n- \n \n
\n Where else can I visit during the temporary closure?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nThe Museum of Somerset is part of a family of heritage sites run by the South West Heritage Trust. You can also visit:\u00a0<\/p>\n
- \n
- Somerset Rural Life Museum<\/a>, Glastonbury<\/li>\n
- Avalon Archaeology<\/a>, Glastonbury<\/li>\n
- Somerset Brick and Tile Museum<\/a>, Bridgwater<\/li>\n
- Somerset Heritage Centre<\/a>, Taunton (for research and special events)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking for Christmas events, there\u2019s plenty to do at our sister sites this festive season.<\/a><\/p> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n
\n How can I stay up to date?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nYou can follow the project and receive updates by:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Visiting our website<\/li>\n
- Following us on social media<\/li>\n
- Signing up to our e-newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n
\n What if the reopening date changes?<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/a>\n \nWe are working towards reopening within three months of the contractor starting work on 1 December. If there are any changes to this timetable, we will communicate them as soon as possible through our website and social media channels.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Thank you for your patience as we invest in the future of The Museum<\/strong> of Somerset.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- \n \n
- Avalon Archaeology<\/a>, Glastonbury<\/li>\n
- \n \n
- \n \n
- \n \n