Business Details
Explore Malmesbury's History at Athelstan Museum
Athelstan Museum, located in the historic town of Malmesbury, is a volunteer-run institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Established to celebrate Malmesbury's significance as an ancient Saxon burh and the final resting place of King Athelstan, the first King of All England, our museum houses a diverse collection spanning from the Iron Age to the present day. Our exhibits include nationally significant artifacts such as J.M.W. Turner's watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey, a Roman coin hoard, and the poignant story of Hannah Twynnoy, the first recorded tiger fatality in England.As a registered charity, we rely on donations and memberships to maintain free public access while delivering educational programs, community events, and rotating exhibitions that engage both local and international visitors. Our team of dedicated volunteers ensures that the museum remains a vibrant cultural hub, offering school workshops, venue hire for events, and outreach initiatives that connect Malmesbury's past with future generations.
Services
Museum Entry
Venue Hire
Educational Workshops
Art Exhibitions
Historical Research
Highlights and features
- We are a volunteer-run registered charity dedicated to local heritage preservation
- Our collection includes nationally significant artworks like Turner's Malmesbury Abbey watercolour
- We offer free public access with donations supporting community education programs
- Our museum hosts unique historical exhibitions and event spaces in a heritage building
- We provide educational workshops and outreach programs for schools and groups
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity
Services
Museum Entry
Explore Malmesbury's 2,000-year history through our free-entry museum. Our volunteer-curated exhibits include Saxon relics, Roman coins, and the story of King Athelstan. The museum features rotating displays from its extensive collection, including J.M.W. Turner's watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey. Visitors can also discover Hannah Twynnoy's tragic tale, the first recorded tiger fatality in England.
Venue Hire
Host events in our Julia & Hans Rausing Building, a refurbished Moravian Church. This modern venue offers audio-visual equipment, flexible seating arrangements, and kitchen facilities. Ideal for conferences, workshops, and cultural events, the space maintains historical character while providing contemporary amenities. Capacity and booking details available through our website.
Educational Programs
Engage students with hands-on history experiences tailored to curriculum requirements. Our programs cover Saxons and Vikings, World War Two, and local archaeology. School workshops include lace-making, fossil hunting, and textile studies. Outreach services deliver loan boxes and presentations to classrooms, while the annual children's art competition encourages creative engagement with local heritage.
Art Exhibitions
View significant artworks including Turner's Malmesbury Abbey watercolour and Thomas Girtin's drawings. The museum's art collection spans centuries, featuring works by William Hodges, Luke Sullivan, and contemporary local artists. Special exhibitions highlight specific themes or artists, with accompanying talks and publications. Some artworks remain in storage but can be viewed by appointment.
Historical Research
Access our extensive local history archives for research purposes. The collection includes documents, photographs, and artifacts not always on public display. Researchers can study Malmesbury's architectural history, genealogy, and social history. Appointments are required for specialized access to ensure appropriate materials are available and expert guidance is provided by our volunteer curators.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 10:30-16:30, Saturday 10:30-16:00, and Sunday 11:30-15:30. Closed Mondays and bank holidays.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free, though donations are welcome to support our volunteer-run charity's preservation efforts.
What special exhibitions are coming soon?
Our 2025-2026 program includes 'Malmesbury in World War Two' and a Roman tile display from Minety's archaeological finds.
How can I support the museum?
Support us through donations, membership, volunteering, or attending fundraising events and venue hires.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, we provide accessible facilities including wheelchair access and hearing assistance equipment in our event spaces.
Reviews (4)
Mark Poley
Nov 14, 2021
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Nice little museum. Well laid out in conological order. Several interesting events and eminent towns people. Even had an original Turner watercolour painting. Well worth a visit and well worth the voluntary donation.
M. H.
Oct 23, 2021
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Great little museum! A lovely lady volunteer in a purple coat (so sorry we didn't get your name) introduced us to the area on a very interesting model of the town and you are a credit to your town and museum, thank you so much from Chesterfield
Jack Baxter
Jul 08, 2021
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Google took me to the Hans Rausing building round the corner in opposite direction to where it is. Very interesting and well worth a visit. Good for children to interest them in history. Didn’t realise they had Turners Malmesbuty Abbey on display there.
Susan W.
Jun 24, 2021
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Fabulous museum and the volunteers go above and beyond to be super helpful! We went there to find the book on the Malmesbury witches and had fantastic help to get it. We also wanted to see the Turner painting which did not disappoint! It's a beautiful area of England with some fascinating history, which the museum portrays excellently. Thank you to the volunteers!
