North Hertfordshire Museum

About the museum

North Hertfordshire Museum opened in July 2019 in Brand Street, Hitchin, next to the refurbished Hitchin Town Hall. It brings together the collections of the former Hitchin and Letchworth museums with many items from around the district that had never been on public display. The National Lottery Heritage Fund supported its development, and the museum is run by North Herts Council.

The permanent displays are spread over three galleries. Discovering North Herts follows the history of the district from its geological past, when the area lay under the sea about 90 million years ago, to the present. Living in North Herts compares everyday life in different periods through themes such as food, leisure, making and trade. The Terrace Gallery holds a collection about local people, including the Football Collection begun in 1956 and a case of objects from every continent.

Objects range from Roman finds and a Victorian pharmacy counter to football memorabilia and local artwork. A dedicated exhibition gallery and a smaller space called the Arches show changing displays of art and heritage, and the museum also offers talks, heritage walks and a learning service for schools.

Highlights

• Discovering North Herts, from marine reptiles to the present day
• Living in North Herts gallery on everyday life through the ages
• Terrace Gallery with the Football Collection and objects from around the world
• Roman finds and a Victorian pharmacy counter
• Changing exhibitions and a museum café

Permanent exhibitions

• Discovering North Herts – The history of the district from its geological past, when the area lay under a sea, to modern town planning.
• Living in North Herts – How everyday life changed over thousands of years, through themes such as food, leisure, making and trade.
• Terrace Gallery – A collection about local people, including the Football Collection begun in 1956 and objects from every continent.

Founded

2019

Operated by

North Herts Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the museum and its exhibitions is free and no booking is required.

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 fully accessible for wheelchair users and buggies, and two wheelchairs are available to borrow. Entry is by a platform lift for standard wheelchairs and buggies, which is not suitable for mobility scooters, and a passenger lift serves all floors. Accessible toilets are on the ground and second floors. Large-print gallery text is provided, and braille and large-print guides are available for each gallery from the reception desk. A quiet opening is planned for each new temporary exhibition, and a visual guide is available online. Well-behaved dogs on leads and all guide dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The museum runs regular children’s craft and weaving workshops. Baby changing units are in the ground floor toilets.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Brand Street, next to Hitchin Town Hall.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The museum café on the ground floor serves hot and cold lunches, cakes and snacks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Visitors are asked not to eat or drink outside food in the galleries or the café.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit