Market Hall Museum

About the museum

Market Hall Museum is housed in the Market Hall, a seventeenth-century landmark in the middle of Warwick, and serves as the county museum of Warwickshire. It was refurbished in 2017 with the help of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Since then it has told the story of the county and of how its changing natural, built and human landscapes have shaped it up to the present day.

The displays bring together geology, wildlife, archaeology and local history. Popular objects include a full-size museum bear, an observation beehive tended by local beekeepers, the Sheldon Tapestry Map of Warwickshire, the Wilmcote plesiosaur skeleton, a dinosaur from Cross Hands Quarry, two hoards of Roman silver coins from south Warwickshire, a costume display and an interactive about the Fire of Warwick.

The museum is run by Warwickshire County Council through its heritage and culture service. General entry is free, volunteer guides lead highlight tours, and the building also holds a café and a shop. Changing exhibitions and a year-round programme of events complement the permanent displays.

Highlights

• Full-size museum bear and observation beehive
• Sheldon Tapestry Map of Warwickshire
• Wilmcote plesiosaur skeleton and Cross Hands Quarry dinosaur
• Two hoards of Roman silver coins from south Warwickshire
• Free entry in a 17th-century market hall

Permanent exhibitions

• Warwickshire natural and local history – The story of the county and its landscapes, with the museum bear, an observation beehive, the Wilmcote plesiosaur and a Cross Hands Quarry dinosaur.
• Sheldon Tapestry Map of Warwickshire – A historic tapestry map of the county, one of the best-known objects in the museum.
• Roman coin hoards – Two hoards of Roman silver coins found in south Warwickshire.

Founded

1836

Operated by

Warwickshire County Council (Heritage and Culture Warwickshire)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

General admission is free and donations are welcome. Highlight tours are free, with donations welcomed, and some events charge an entry fee.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor has level access and a platform lift serves the first-floor galleries, although some first-floor areas are uneven because of the historic floorboards. Sensory backpacks can be borrowed for children, and a visual story with photographs of the layout can be downloaded. The museum has an evacuation plan for visitors with disabilities; visitors who need help should speak to the reception staff or get in touch beforehand. More access details are on the AccessAble website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Sensory backpacks can be borrowed for children, and displays include an observation beehive and an interactive about the Fire of Warwick. The shop sells children's books, toys, fossils and gems, and baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Market Hall in Market Place, Warwick.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Market Hall Café serves coffee, tea, cream teas, sandwiches, soup, cakes and gluten-free and vegan options, with outdoor seating in summer. The shop sells gifts and souvenirs for all ages, including books and toys for children. Toilets and baby changing facilities are in the building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit