Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Discover Stained Glass Art in Ely
The Stained Glass Museum is the UK's sole institution dedicated to the art of stained glass, housing a nationally significant collection spanning the 13th to 21st centuries. Located in the triforium of Ely Cathedral, our permanent gallery showcases stained glass panels, preparatory designs, and tools from our own collection alongside partner organisations like the V&A and Royal Collection. We offer an engaging learning programme for all ages, including practical glass workshops led by professional artists, guided tours, and family activities throughout the year. Our team of specialists, including curators and educators, ensures the preservation and interpretation of this unique art form for future generations.We collaborate with schools, community groups, and international institutions to promote stained glass through exhibitions, loans, and research. Our shop features exclusive handmade glass gifts and specialist books, while our library provides access to rare resources on stained glass history and conservation. Accredited by Arts Council England, we are committed to accessibility, welcoming visitors with disabilities and offering tailored experiences for diverse audiences.
Services
Stained Glass Exhibitions
Glass Workshops
Educational Programmes
Guided Tours
Research Access
Gift Shop
Group Visits
School Programmes
Community Projects
Conservation Services
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive access to the UK's largest stained glass collection spanning 800 years
- Our expert-led workshops provide hands-on experience with traditional glass techniques
- We deliver tailored educational programmes for schools and community groups
- Our curators collaborate with international institutions for major exhibitions
- We maintain full Arts Council accreditation for collection care and development
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
Services
Stained Glass Exhibitions
Our permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase stained glass from the 13th century to contemporary works. Visitors experience pieces from our collection alongside loans from major institutions like the V&A. The displays include religious and secular panels, preparatory cartoons, and conservation tools.
Glass Workshops
Hands-on workshops teach traditional techniques including glass cutting, painting, and fusing. Led by professional artists, sessions cater to families, schools, and adults. Participants create personal pieces while learning about historical methods and modern innovations in glass art.
Educational Programmes
Curriculum-linked workshops and tours for Key Stages 1-3 explore stained glass history and techniques. Resources include loan boxes with replica materials and online collections. Special programmes for home educators and SEN groups ensure inclusive access to our educational resources.
Research Access
Our specialist library and archive collections support academic study of stained glass. Researchers access conservation records, artist correspondence, and technical documents by appointment. Digital resources include online catalogues and collaborative projects with universities and heritage organisations.
Community Projects
Community engagement initiatives involve local schools and groups in creating stained glass installations. Projects combine heritage skills with contemporary design, resulting in permanent artworks for educational institutions and public spaces across East Anglia and Norfolk.
People
HM King Charles III
Patron
His Majesty has supported the museum since 1999, visiting twice in 2000 and 2018. As Prince of Wales, he championed heritage preservation through the 25th anniversary appeal that secured our future.
Dr Jeffrey West
Chairman
Medieval art specialist with PhD from Courtauld Institute. Former advisor on church conservation and Fellow of Royal Historical Society. Leads strategic direction for the museum's collection development and preservation.
Dr Jasmine Allen
Director and Curator
Specialist in post-1800 stained glass with international exhibition expertise. Author of award-winning book on Victorian stained glass. Oversees collection strategy and academic partnerships since 2013.
Emily Allen
Deputy Curator
MA in Museums Studies with responsibility for audience engagement and digital communications. Manages event programming and educational outreach initiatives to broaden public access to stained glass heritage.
Steven Jugg
Shop & Visitor Services Manager
Former Fitzwilliam Museum professional with photography expertise. Oversees retail operations, visitor experience, and adult workshop coordination while managing our team of visitor service assistants.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm (summer) and 10am-4pm (winter). Closed Sundays and major holidays.
Are there educational programmes for schools?
Yes, we offer curriculum-linked workshops for Key Stages 1-3 with specialist resources and loan boxes available.
Can visitors participate in glass workshops?
Yes, we provide hands-on workshops for families, adults, and groups led by professional glass artists.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Access requires climbing 40 steps via spiral staircase. Alternative arrangements available with prior notice.
Does the museum accept donations?
Yes, we welcome donations to support collection care, exhibitions, and educational programmes through Gift Aid.
Are group visits available?
Discounted group entry for 10+ visitors with guided tours available by prior arrangement.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Geoff King
Oct 09, 2021
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Very interesting museum with some very old pieces of medieval glass as well as more modern pieces. Access is via a steep stone staircase inside the museum, which adds to the atmosphere. Dog friendly too-our dog was very welcome, which we really appreciated. Excellent small museum.
Kerry Cooper
Sep 25, 2021
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Really enjoyed my visit today, very friendly staff, incredible glassworks, really worth the visit 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tomos
Aug 10, 2021
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We had an impromptu visit to Ely today while staying in Cambridge for a few days. The museum is nested in the first floor of Ely Cathedral overlooking the grand room. It displays a mixture of traditional and contemporary stained glass art including beautiful and thought provoking pieces. The museum also displays some of the manufacturing process of glass art and an interactive area for children at one end of the main gallery. I would definitely recommend going to the museum if you're staying in Ely whoever you are and if you're into art and design and staying in the surrounding areas, it's worth
Joanna Crosby
Aug 01, 2021
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Beautiful glass and very interesting history. Nice shop too. Beware of the steep stone steps to get to it.
Dominic Lee
Nov 07, 2020
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Was pleasantly surprised by this - lots of beautiful stained glass to look at, but also ones of differing styles and modern ones alongside the more traditional. Would recommend.
