Experience Barnsley: Museum & Discovery Centre

Experience Barnsley: Museum & Discovery Centre Experience Barnsley Museum & Discovery Centre. Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre is dedicated to the history and people of Barnsley.

Visitors will uncover the incredible story of Barnsley told through centuries-old artefacts, documents, films and recordings that have been donated by people living and working in the borough. Unique, hands-on and interactive exhibits encourage visitors to explore the people and places of Barnsley, ultimately leading them to discover a town with amazing stories and a rich and diverse heritage. Exp

erience Barnsley is a fun, exciting and interesting day out for all the family. Admission to the Museum and Discovery Centre is free. Experience Barnsley Museum

With over 90% of its artefacts contributed by people living and working in the borough, Experience Barnsley is a museum that has been created by the people, for the people. Archives and Discovery Centre

Interested in finding out more about your family tree, history of your house, or are you researching a school project? With shelves full of fascinating books, intriguing documents, photographs, maps and films visitors are encouraged to browse and discover their own history and that of their area. Learning lab

With a walk in cinema and regular activities for all ages there’s plenty to get involved with. Special activities take place during the school holidays, and regular clubs and activities take place each week. Changing Exhibition Gallery

The Changing Exhibition Gallery will host a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, from artistic interpretations of the collections, to archaeology exhibitions there will be something to interest everyone. Civic Displays and Council Chamber

The Town Hall dates back to 1933 and its beautiful clocktower is a much-loved symbol of the town. Visitors are encouraged to explore the building, and the Council Chamber.

  A New York pocket watch bought by the Sherburn family one hour before sailing back to Liverpool from America in 1908. ...
19/06/2026



A New York pocket watch bought by the Sherburn family one hour before sailing back to Liverpool from America in 1908. This Barnsley family only stayed in Virginia for two years before returning to Barnsley.

It's  ! Who came to visit us for our 'Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt' exhibition launch back in February?If you misse...
18/06/2026

It's ! Who came to visit us for our 'Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt' exhibition launch back in February?

If you missed the chance to take part in our free family drop-in, fear not - we are doing it all over again on Friday 24 July with some new and exciting activities!

⏳Sift through the sands of time in an archaeological dig!
🫅 Create an amulet fit for a Queen in our craft session!
🐍 Take on the riddle of the Sphinx and see who will be victorious!

All information can be found in the link in the comments below 👇

🤫 This Saturday (20 June) is our monthly relaxed opening for visitors who prefer a quieter experience.Interactives and a...
18/06/2026

🤫 This Saturday (20 June) is our monthly relaxed opening for visitors who prefer a quieter experience.

Interactives and audio will be turned down or off to create a quieter experience for visitors who prefer it.

There is seating provided around the museum should you need it. Sensory backpacks and sunflower lanyards are available from the front desk if you would like to borrow any for the duration of your visit.

For more accessibility information, visit our website.

https://www.experience-barnsley.com/accessibility

Today is World Crocodile Day! 🐊Mummified crocodile wassacred to the god Sobek, symbol of royal might, after whom Sobekne...
17/06/2026

Today is World Crocodile Day! 🐊

Mummified crocodile wassacred to the god Sobek, symbol of royal might, after whom Sobeknefru (‘Sobek’s beauty’) was named, c.600-300 BC, found at Hawara where she completed work on her father’s pyramid.

Kindly on loan from Bolton Library and Museum Services and now on display in the Cleopatra and The Queens of Egypt exhibition

Immortal Egypt

Pick up a trail map: Physical trail maps are available at Experience Barnsley Museum!Support Sheffield Children’s Hospit...
16/06/2026

Pick up a trail map: Physical trail maps are available at Experience Barnsley Museum!

Support Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and Buy official merchandise or make a donation to help transform emergency care for children and young people.

Our virtual walk down Market Hill continues. Who remembers Polyanna and Castles?Barnsley Archives and Local Studies
16/06/2026

Our virtual walk down Market Hill continues. Who remembers Polyanna and Castles?

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies

  There's lots of mentions of Barnsley Brewery in the museum, did you work there? Did you sign this lampshade during the...
15/06/2026

There's lots of mentions of Barnsley Brewery in the museum, did you work there? Did you sign this lampshade during the final shift?

  There's lots of references to pigeons in the museum! One of which is a donation by Alan Bunting -  He was a champion p...
13/06/2026

There's lots of references to pigeons in the museum!

One of which is a donation by Alan Bunting - He was a champion pigeon racer, especially on retirement from the pit, instead of spending years underground he looked up into the sky

Testing. Testing. Is Facebook working again yet? We were just about to get our typewriter out to send a letter and switc...
12/06/2026

Testing. Testing. Is Facebook working again yet? We were just about to get our typewriter out to send a letter and switch on this old mobile.

The World Cup kicks off tonight  ⚽Barnsley FC Academy graduate John Stones will represent England at this summer's tourn...
11/06/2026

The World Cup kicks off tonight ⚽

Barnsley FC Academy graduate John Stones will represent England at this summer's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

We have a mysterious stone head in the museum called John Stones which was given that name following a public vote

Address

Barnsley Town Hall Church Street
Barnsley
S702TA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+441226772500

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