Stevenage Museum

About the museum

Stevenage Museum tells the story of the town from prehistoric times through its growth as the first of Britain’s post-war new towns to the present day. It is run by Stevenage Borough Council and has been in operation since 1954.

The museum occupies the undercroft of the parish church of St Andrew and St George on St George’s Way. The galleries combine objects in display cases and on open display, text panels, films, hands-on activities and computer interactives, and some key panels have sound summaries with a hearing loop.

The museum also collects the memories of local people. Its Stevenage Voices oral history project records recollections of post-war Stevenage and the new towns. Alongside the permanent displays there is a programme of temporary exhibitions, talks, walks, school sessions and a Young Curators’ programme for young people.

Highlights

• Story of Stevenage from prehistory to the first new town
• Objects to touch and explore, films and computer interactives
• Stevenage Voices oral history collection
• Young Curators’ programme and children’s birthday parties
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• The story of Stevenage – The permanent galleries trace the history of Stevenage from prehistory to its development as the first new town and on to the present day, with objects, films and hands-on activities.

Founded

1954

Operated by

Stevenage Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

General admission is free; a small charge may be made for some events. Children’s birthday parties start from £120 for up to ten children (see Family).

Accessibility

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

The entrance is ramped with handrails and all displays are on one level. There is a hearing loop at the reception desk and sound summaries of key panels. The museum shares a wheelchair with the church upstairs; please ask in advance. Visitors with mobility problems can be dropped off or park on the church forecourt in Cuttys Lane, about 150 metres from the museum entrance along a level path. A downloadable access statement is on the museum’s web page.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

The galleries include objects to handle, toys and dressing-up clothes, and free colouring sheets and pencils are available at reception. The Young Curators’ programme is for young people. Birthday parties for children aged 5 to 11 are held on Saturdays from 14:30 to 16:00 for up to 15 children, from £120 for ten children plus £12 for each extra child. The accessible toilet has baby changing.

Getting there & parking

The museum is under the church on St George’s Way and is signposted from the town centre for pedestrians.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

A hot drinks machine with tables and chairs is in the foyer, and cold drinks and confectionery are sold in the shop. The shop sells souvenirs, toys, books, postcards and prints. The toilets are kept locked and unlocked on request at reception.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit