Bath: Visitors' views sought as museum reopens

The Museum of Bath Architecture, housed in the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, reopens on 30 March

A museum, which has been closed since the emergence of Covid-19 in 2020, is to reopen to the public.

Built in 1765, the chapel which houses the Museum of Bath Architecture is undergoing routine conservation work.

However, Bath Preservation Trust (BPT), which runs the site, said this would not affect the museum experience.

As part of the re-opening in late March, visitors are being asked to contribute ideas towards enhancing the museum and ensuring its future.

The Museum of Bath Architecture's collection includes maps, models, designs and paintings telling the story of how 18th Century architects and craftsmen helped turn a medieval walled town into the destination of choice for Georgian high society.

The BPT is an independent, self-funding organisation and when the pandemic hit 95% of its income stopped overnight.

"We had to make some really hard decisions at that time. We weren't actually convinced that Bath Preservation Trust would survive until the furlough scheme came around," said Alex Sherman, CEO.

• City's historic tower conservation project begins

• Museum reopens with new features thanks to grant

The popular 3D model of Bath, housed in the Museum of Bath Architecture, will be on view again to the public

Sustainable future

BPT was awarded nearly £1.5 million from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure the four museums it operates had a sustainable future.

"It's really exciting to be reopening. But the chapel is cold. It's a wonderful Georgian building," said Mr Sherman.

"It's draughty when the wind whistles, the windows are rattling and the doors are flapping. It has its own particular charm but sadly the museum no longer quite meets the expectations of visitors.

"We're inviting the people who walk through the door to talk about what the future museum might look like and how we might present it. And how we might sustainably enhance it to make sure it is warm, comfortable and safe for people to visit," he added.

No.1 Royal Crescent and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, also operated by BPT, have reopened since the pandemic, whilst Beckford's Tower remains closed.

The Museum of Bath Architecture reopens on 30 March.

No.1 Royal Crescent, also run by BPT, reopened to the public in 2021