the salisbury museum

CherryR978

On entry,thought £8 admission was a bit steep.Once inside,realized why.So much to see,didn't do it all in one go,as I had been to Salisbury Cathedral prior,but ticket valid for 1 year.Wessex Gallery is stunning,a miniature Ashmolean Museum,which itself has a Pitt Rivers section.Lighting just perfect,no eye strain here.Exhibits well spaced out and described. I am not a great archaeological fan,but was enthralled by what was on offer.Then on to the Whistler art gallery,once again,well spaced out and informative.Next up,the Lacock cup,which is currently on loan from the British Museum,and is touring the country at select venues. Hurry though,it moves on at the end of May.A superb pieces of silverware,who needs London.This museum is up there with the best.Didn't make it upstairs,this visit,which houses a textile exhibition I understand.Will have to go back.

john592

Fully expected this to be a brief and cursory visit after the Cathedral. Ended up spending quite some time there. A varied and unexpected set of displays relating to Salisbury and two changing displays which were top quality. All quite entrancing. The Wessex archaeological room is stunning. Welcoming little café,

AmyA488

The recently opened Wessex Galleries in Salisbury Museum are truly a 'not-to-be-missed' exploration back in time to prehistoric periods. A wealth of rare archaeological finds, all beautifully and most imaginatively presented, with excellent texts and a richness of associated information. A specially appealing aspect is that many of the cases are at low level, so even the smallest people are able to see the treasures that have been discovered. Pull-out drawers - again at low levels - add further to the wonders here. If you have objections to seeing skeletons in displays then maybe these are not be for you. But their presentation is so thoughtful and respectful, that the real 'presence' of these long-ago peoples who lived in this part of Britain seems appropriate, and further enlightens this fascinating sequence of intelligent, riveting displays. No need to go to London or the larger museums, here in Salisbury they have an incomparable collection illuminating our knowledge of the lives of our ancient ancestors - much of it relevant to not-so-far-away Stonehenge too.

RAGGEDNewHampshire

This new museum addition to the Museum in Salisbury Close is wonderful. A well designed, well lit museum covering archaeological finds from the area . But it also contains finds collected by the archaeologist Pitt Rivers .Well worth making a special visit to see this new addition

Trowelman

This museum has the most marvellous newly opened archaeological wing housing some staggeringly beautiful prehistoric finds from the locality as well as collections from one of the god-fathers of archaeology, Pitt Rivers himself! These finds include the remains of the Amesbury archer an accompanying finds! Definitely child friendly and also relevant to both the amateur and professional archaeologist!

johnhU5618XE

Interesting well presented displays of many facets. Reasonable entrance fee and very friendly guides. Everywhere spotlessly clean. Good educational opportunity to see the way people dressed in the past and local industry. Interesting silver. Cafe very clean and good quality food. Looking forward to return visit. Return visit free within twelve months

HanaPeter

We always enjoy museums and so we did here. Very lovely place full of amazing pieces from our history. Personally we enjoyed the most the new Wessex gallery full of old potteries, jewellery, coins and much more. Nice interactive way of putting history for children as well!

Soolibeth

I have just visited this small and very interesting little museum with my 3 grandchildren. The exhibition shows British Soldiers from Medieval to present day conflicts. The children were interested in the uniforms and weaponry displayed and filled in the answers on the quiz sheet they were given on entry, They also tried on uniforms and helmets, and posed for a photograph whilst holding the enormous rifle and attempting to carry a huge rucksack just as the soldiers did and still do have to carry on their backs.It was well worth the fee of £10.00 for a family ticket. So ''Hats off '' to the organisers .

SharynF

This is a fantastic museum with plenty of local interest displays. The new Wessex wing is stunning and worth a visit in its own right to discover more about the archeology of the area. Modern displays, well laid out with plenty of room to move around (wheelchair friendly). The rest of the museum is interesting and I was amazed at how much there was to see and how long we spent there. A welcome haven on a bitterly cold day. And cake and coffee in the cafe were good too.

573pault

The new Wessex wing is very well laid out indeed, with a lot of Pitt-Rivers exhibits from nearby Dorset. Items are very well explained in modern display cabinets. Plenty of space for wheelchairs. The remainder of the museum has a section devoted to the city, with a reconstructed doctor's surgery; various items relating to the mayor and council; the giant and his companion HobNob that used to be carried through the streets; a very good costume display, and a ceramics section with lots of drinking vessels.Be warned that the cafe might close early - like many small museums, it is highly dependent on volunteers to man the desk and the cafe.It could do with a few more direction signs, but on the whole it is a very pleasant museum and conveniently sited.Free to National Art Collection Fund members; some concessions.

411lizs

Allow plenty of time for this gem. On a cold January day the welcome was warm and we soon forgot the weather as the exhibits were stunning. Fabulously archaeological exhibits laid out and labelled in a large area explaining the history of Old Sarum and Stonehenge. The costume gallery was beautiful and there were racks of clothes for the children to try on. There was something for every taste and the porcelain and glass displays were very comprehensive. The coffee bar was closed but it was the end of the day.Combine this with a visit to the cathedral, a seat by a log fire in one of the old pubs and who could wish for more in a town.

O5722WCdanielt

me and my partner visited a few days ago. We were very surprised when we entered and were amazed and fascinated the whole way around. The museum is well thought out and displays are clear. guides are helpful but will leave you to look at your own pace. there are activities to keep young children entertained and helps them get involved. we didn't have enough time to view it all but will be back!! me and my partner could spend hours in there. definitely worth a visit.

neilo1_10

This superb museum tucked away on a tree-lined close opposite the great west portal of one of UK's & Europe's most magnificent cathedrals was a grand experience & memorable surprise for me. Raised in Dorset but a long-term CA resident with a resident cousin there, Salisbury has become my favorite yearly touring base for convenient access to south & west coasts & London. I had somehow missed the museum in June '13 but was delighted to discover it last June & will revisit in May/June this year! I was in fact SO glued to the fascinating ancient tomb & dwelling exhibits from southern Englands Roman/Saxon past that they had to (smilingly) throw me out quite a bit after official closing time! If you possess any feel for or love of England's historic past then do GO to this excellent museum with its superbly laid-out displays! I have saved my entry ticket which is good for a year!

Ozzyoscar1

The exhibition of ancient artefacts and the explanation of the relationships between Stonehenge and other sites is excellent. This took up most of our visit. The exhibits of costume, Wedgwood and other pottery are no doubt interesting but not our bag.

MichelleJ39

Visited on a Saturday in December and though quiet was excellent opportunity to wander around with volunteers providing answers when we asked! New archeology extention was great and spent along time going through all the displays, great hiden gem behind the cathedral, excellent value, once you have paid the ticket gives unlimited visits for a year.