Welcome

These pages are designed to introduce you to the museum and may help you on your way round; it also includes a plan.

Starting upstairs, the first displays are devoted to Cheltenham’s history. These are followed by galleries of ceramics and oriental art. Don't miss the small room devoted to Edward Wilson, the Cheltenham-born explorer who went to the Antarctic with Captain Scott. The Summerfield Galleries include Gloucestershire archaeology and natural history, and tell the story of how we used to live from earliest times to Queen Victoria's day. They are named after Ron Summerfield, a well-known local antique dealer and collector. The displays were made possible by the very considerable generosity of the Charitable Trust which was established under Mr Summerfield's Will. Make sure you see the Arts and Crafts Movement gallery with its internationally important collections which attract visitors from all over the world.

To help you on your way there’s our Café serving a variety of teas, coffees, cakes and light lunches. The shop on the ground floor stocks a wide range of cards, gifts and books, related to the collections. It's the ideal place to look for an unusual present or souvenir of your visit.

We hold special exhibitions on many subjects in the de Ferrieres Gallery. Gallery 13 is for smaller shows, from private press books to watercolours. The exhibitions are complemented by many events and activities so you can always be sure of something new to see and do.

The emphasis in this section is on what you can see on your visit. There is also a reference to the study collections which are not permanently on view, but can be seen by appointment.

We hope you enjoy your visit and that you will come again soon.