Moyse's Hall Museum

About the museum

Moyse’s Hall is a landmark twelfth-century building on the market place of Bury St Edmunds, and has stood there for almost 900 years. Over the centuries it has served as the town’s Bridewell, a workhouse and a police station, before it first opened as a museum in 1899. It is now owned and managed by West Suffolk Council.

The collections tell the story of the town, from the creation and dissolution of the great abbey of St Edmund to crime and punishment, with prison objects, items relating to the notorious Red Barn Murder, and insights into superstition and witchcraft. West Suffolk’s horology collection includes rare timepieces bequeathed by the musician and clock collector Frederic Gershom Parkington, and the art collection includes works by Mary Beale, England’s first professional woman painter, and by Sybil Andrews.

The Suffolk Regiment Gallery follows the battles, traditions and stories of the regiment from 1685 to 1959, and the Great Hall hosts changing exhibitions and events. The museum was named Suffolk’s Family-Friendly Museum of the Year in 2017.

Highlights

• Parkington collection of clocks and watches
• Portraits by Mary Beale and works by Sybil Andrews
• Red Barn Murder collection and displays on crime and punishment
• Displays on the abbey, St Edmund and the early town
• Suffolk Regiment Gallery covering 1685 to 1959
• Introductory film about the medieval building

Permanent exhibitions

• Parkington clock collection – Long-term display of an internationally renowned collection of clocks and watches bequeathed by Frederic Gershom Parkington.
• Suffolk Regiment Gallery – Battles, traditions and stories of the Suffolk Regiment from 1685 to 1959.
• Town, St Edmund and crime and punishment – Lower-floor displays on the early abbey town, St Edmund, prison history and the Red Barn Murder.

Founded

1899

Operated by

West Suffolk Council

Admission & discounts

Day tickets are sold at the door. Under 5s are free.

Accessibility

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

The museum is wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors, and accessible toilets are on the ground floor. Assistance dogs are welcome; other animals are not allowed. Paper transcripts of the introductory film are available, and a tour for visitors with visual impairments can be requested a few days ahead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Children are very welcome, with dressing up, quizzes and trails in the museum and many family events during the year. The accessible toilet includes a baby-changing area.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The gift shop sells souvenirs, replica pottery and children’s games. There is seating throughout the museum. The museum is also a tourist information point.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum can be hired for events and meetings; enquiries by phone on +44 1284 706183.

Plan your visit