Heritage Open Days Free Weekend

We’re opening our doors for free on 20 and 21 September as part of Heritage Open Days! Explore Chelmsford’s rich and varied history through exhibitions that bring the past to life, from ancient archaeology to modern works of art.

Pick up a free trail sheet at the front desk to guide you through all of our displays, including: The Story of Chelmsford; Prehistoric, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Tudors and Georgians, Victorians, 20th Century, 2012, Our Chelmsford Community Gallery, Chelmsford’s Potters, and The Natural World.

Don’t miss our temporary exhibition space, currently home to Shifting Perspectives, a thoughtful and uplifting display created in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society. The exhibition explores artworks from the museum’s collection through the eyes of people living with dementia and their companions, offering fresh takes and personal reflections on pieces by women artists. We invite you to take a slow look at what’s on display and share your thoughts on our ‘Share Your Wonder’ wall.

Children are warmly welcomed, too! We’ve created an area where your young ones can borrow free activity resources to help them explore both the museum and park. Just return them at the end of your visit.

Visit the Our Chelmsford room on Saturday 20 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm, to explore our Object Handling table themed around Archaeology. Both days will have colouring-in and puzzles activities for children to enjoy. 

On Saturday 20 September, we will also be holding our Alzheimer's Awareness Day in the Wells Suite, with local organisations on hand to share information, support, and resources.. Find out more here. 

Please note that a photographer will be on site for the weekend.