Business Details
Explore Wiltshire's Heritage at Wiltshire Museum
Wiltshire Museum is dedicated to inspiring people to explore the archaeology, history, and environment of Wiltshire. Established in 1874, we house the largest collection of Early Bronze Age gold ever displayed publicly in England, including treasures from the Stonehenge period. Our award-winning galleries feature over 500 archaeological objects, alongside exhibits spanning Roman, Saxon, and local history. We prioritise accessibility with a platform lift and interactive displays for children, ensuring an engaging experience for all visitors. As an independent charity, we rely on admissions, events, and memberships to preserve our nationally significant collections.Our team of experts curates dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community projects, fostering a deeper understanding of Wiltshires rich heritage. We collaborate with regional and national institutions to advance archaeological research and public engagement. With over 170 years of experience, we maintain high standards in collections care, museum management, and visitor services. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque and national accreditation. We continue to innovate through digital initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships, ensuring our collections remain accessible to future generations.
Services
Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Museum Shop
Events
Research Access
Group Visits
Highlights and features
- We house the UKs finest Bronze Age gold collection, including artifacts from the Stonehenge era.
- Our award-winning galleries combine cutting-edge reconstructions with world-class archaeological displays.
- We offer accessible facilities, including a platform lift and interactive exhibits for children.
- Our team includes specialists in archaeology, curation, and heritage education with decades of combined experience.
- We actively support academic research and community engagement through events and outreach programs.
Associations and certifications
- Designated Collection
- Accredited Museum
- VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque
What people say
Award-winning displays
Interactive for children
Must-see before Stonehenge
Mesmerising exhibits
Helps make sense of Wiltshire
Services
Exhibitions
Our award-winning exhibitions showcase Wiltshires 500,000-year history, featuring Bronze Age gold, Roman artifacts, and Saxon treasures. Interactive displays and reconstructions engage visitors of all ages. We host temporary exhibitions, including collaborations with contemporary artists exploring archaeological themes.
Educational Programs
We provide tailored educational experiences for schools, families, and adults, including hands-on workshops, guided tours, and digital resources. Our programs align with national curricula and promote STEM learning through archaeology and history.
Research Access
Researchers can access our Designated Collections, including archaeological artifacts, historical documents, and natural history specimens. We support academic studies through our online database, library, and specialist staff expertise in Wiltshires heritage.
Events
We host a diverse calendar of events, from lectures and conferences to family workshops and seasonal activities. These include ghost walks, archaeological digs, and community projects fostering local engagement with heritage.
Museum Shop
Our shop offers books, gifts, and souvenirs inspired by Wiltshires history and archaeology. Products include exhibition catalogs, local history publications, and exclusive merchandise featuring iconic museum artifacts.
People
David Dawson
Director
David leads the museums strategic vision, overseeing collections, exhibitions, and community engagement. With over 25 years in heritage management, he specializes in archaeological curation and public outreach.
Lisa Brown
Curator
Lisa manages the museums collections and exhibitions, ensuring their preservation and accessibility. She has extensive experience in Bronze Age archaeology and has curated multiple award-winning displays.
Ali Rushent
Learning and Outreach Officer
Ali develops educational programs and community initiatives, connecting schools and groups with Wiltshires heritage. She has led outreach projects for over 15 years, focusing on inclusive learning experiences.
Heather Ault
Exhibitions Officer
Heather coordinates temporary exhibitions and gallery installations. Her expertise in museology and artifact conservation ensures high-quality displays that engage diverse audiences.
Nicola Trowell
Programme Manager
Nicola oversees major projects, including the Assizes for Devizes initiative. She brings 20 years of experience in heritage project management and community development.
Questions
What are the museum’s opening hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Are there admission fees?
Entry is free for children. Adult tickets cost £7.50, with discounts for seniors and concessions.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, we have a platform lift, wheelchair ramps, and accessible facilities. Contact us for specific requirements.
What exhibitions are currently on display?
Current exhibitions include 'Gold from the Time of Stonehenge' and 'Downland: Art and Archaeology in Wiltshire'.
Can I host events or meetings at the museum?
We offer event spaces for hire, including lecture halls and galleries. Enquire via our website for details.
How can I support the museum?
Support us through membership, donations, volunteering, or shopping in our museum store.
Reviews (4)
Deborah Bufton Barnett
Nov 26, 2021
Report
Interesting exhibits plus visiting exhibitions, as well as courses. I also like the gift shop & have purchased items as presents for friends and family.
Lindsay Shepherd
Oct 30, 2021
Report
Visited last Sunday to see the Eric Ravilious Downland Man exhibition. It was lovely to see his artwork in so much detail up close. For most of our visit we were the only ones in the exhibition so it felt like an exclusive event! The staff were very welcoming and friendly and gave for us the right level of interaction. Great selection of local books and exhibition related items in the shop too. Thanks to all who worked so hard to put this on.
Lorna Donald
Jul 30, 2021
Report
Well laid out,good logical content easy to follow. Nice use of video for these not wishing to read all the sines. Very relevant to local landscape.
DavidandJames Gaming
Jul 01, 2021
Report
Interesting museum on three levels. Small but fascinating. Lots of focus on local history such as stonehenge and avebury
