This autumn, The Wilson relaunches its museum wing to tell the story of Cheltenham through the eyes of its communities. The museum’s transformation has been shaped by over 58,000 responses to the Big Museum Project, answering questions including which of Cheltenham’s many stories are important to tell and what makes Cheltenham unique. Coupled with a refurbishment of the museum spaces, the reopening on 24 October is an invitation to experience Cheltenham’s past in a fresh new way.
The Wilson was opened in1899, following a gift of forty-three paintings from the third Baron de Ferrieres, a former Mayor and MP for Cheltenham. Today, Cheltenham’s collection holds over 250,000 objects across art, nature, history, costume and science, spanning from the stone age to the present day. For the first time in the museum’s history, the Big Museum Project has enabled the local community to shape its future through visiting the Museum on Wheels, exploring the Test Space exhibition, taking part in workshops, sharing ideas in libraries and community hubs, and voting at feedback stations. The responses were clear: local history matters most. Every object displayed in the museum will tell a story about Cheltenham’s past, present of future – from the well-known moments in the town’s history to hidden stories, overlooked voices, and the everyday lives whose experiences shaped the place we know today. The Big Museum Project was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The opening of The Wilson’s museum will be celebrated with a week-long festival style programme of free activities including live music, family workshops and creative hands-on activities, interactive performances inspired by Cheltenham’s history, curator tours and conservation stations.
Lisa Edgar, Director of Arts and Heritage, The Wilson said: “We are delighted to bring Cheltenham’s collection back to life in our refurbished museum wing. Over 58,000 responses, contributions and wonderful conversations from communities across Cheltenham have brought new ideas, new stories and new ways of thinking about the many histories that shape our town. In the 127 years since it was founded, The Wilson has collected over 250,000 fascinating objects that span art, history, science and world cultures – from the stone age to the present day. The Big Museum Project has been an invitation to the people of Cheltenham to write the next chapter in its history, using the collection to reveal the way the town has changed over centuries, how people have lived and worked, and our relationship to the rest of the world.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s fantastic to see The Wilson preparing to reopen its doors following such an ambitious transformation. Projects like this show how heritage can be reimagined to feel relevant, inclusive and inspiring for everyone. Thanks to National Lottery players, this investment has created a space where Cheltenham’s stories will be shared in new ways, shaped by the people who live there and ensuring future generations feel connected to their local heritage.”
Cllr Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, culture, wellbeing and public realm, said: “This is a very exciting moment for Cheltenham. The Wilson has always been an important part of our town’s cultural life, and this transformation gives residents and visitors the opportunity to see Cheltenham’s story through fresh eyes.
“What makes this project particularly special is that it has been shaped by the voices of our communities. Thousands of people have shared their ideas about the stories that matter to them, helping to create a museum that reflects not only our history, but the people, experiences and communities that continue to shape Cheltenham today.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery players and all the supporters of The Wilson for helping to make this ambitious project possible, and of course for the incredibly hard-working team at The Wilson for making it happen. I would encourage everyone to come along, explore the revitalised galleries and be part of this exciting new chapter for The Wilson.”
Visitors are invited to explore the revitalised galleries, uncover remarkable objects, and encounter untold stories from Cheltenham’s rich and evolving heritage. More than the return of a much-loved museum, this transformation represents a renewed commitment to creativity, inclusion, and community collaboration. The Wilson invites everyone to come together, take part, and celebrate the beginning of an exciting new era for the museum and the town.
Admission to the museum galleries and all launch events is free. For more information on the Museum reopening, visit wilsonmuseum.org.uk/museum/ or follow The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum on social media for updates.
This project has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
