Bath museum reopens and seeks ideas to 'breathe new life' into site

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

A museum, which is reopening for the first time since the emergence of Covid-19, is inviting the public to contribute views on its future.

The Museum of Bath Architecture collection includes maps, models, designs and paintings charting the Georgian city's architectural history.

The Bath Preservation Trust (BPT), which runs the site, said it "no longer meets the expectation of visitors".

Alex Sherman, CEO, said: "We are open to some wonderful ideas.

"I'm really interested in hearing about how people might interpret the collection, which is really important, and about whether we can bring arts into it."

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

Relevant to the future

The museum tells the story of the rich architectural history of Bath, from its transformation from a small medieval town into the world-famous Georgian city, to the Victorian expansion and 20th century demolitions.

Highlights of the collection include a 1:500 scale model of Bath, giving a miniature birds-eye view of the whole city.

The Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, which is home to the museum, needs routine maintenance and conservation and, like many Georgian buildings, is cold and draughty.

"We want to breathe new life into the unique chapel and will be seeking feedback from visitors and stakeholders about how they believe the chapel and its adjoining buildings should be redeveloped," Mr Sherman said.

"BPT's theme across all of its museums for 2024 is future-proofing."

"It's really important that the museum is also relevant and contemporary for the future and continues to engage visitors of all ages for many years to come," he added.

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

• City's historic tower conservation project begins

• Museum reopens with new features thanks to grant

• Historic tower awarded £390,000 for restoration

Patrizia Ribul, director of museums for BPT, says: "We are thrilled to be opening up this special museum to the public again; the fascinating scale model of Bath alone is worth a visit, but there are plenty of other items, such as an original stone acorn from the famous Circus, that will delight any fan of architecture or history."  

The Museum of Bath Architecture reopens on 30 March.

Beckford's Tower, which has undergone conservation work, is due to reopen in May

No.1 Royal Crescent and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, also operated by BPT, have reopened since the pandemic, and a fourth site, Beckford's Tower will open in May, meaning all four museums run by BPT will be open at the same time for the first time since 2019.