After a complete transformation Aldeburgh Museum, located in the Tudor Moot Hall has reopened to the public.
The interior of this the Grade I listed building, used for local government since Tudor times, has had a complete makeover. The history of the grand building and that of the town is celebrated through new exhibition spaces. These now include immersive video installations and interactive displays, bringing the story of the town and the wider region to life.
Visitors can now see a number of high-profile objects, many of which have never been on display before. Examples include Anglo Saxon exhibits including burial urns and a claw beaker from the Snape Burial ship (probably predating those of Sutton Hoo), and a cowrie shell and other objects from excavations at Barbers Point on the banks of the river Alde in 2013. Visitors can explore the wonders of this timber- framed building, whilst learning about how the building has been used for local government since Tudor times. Younger visitors can become mini mayors and complete a discovery trail. Young and old alike can learn, through interactive displays, how democracy and the right to vote has developed over recent centuries.
The redevelopment has been made possible thanks to a grant of almost £750,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with match funding from local councils trusts organisations and individuals. The award has included not only the refurbishment, but new activities and events and a comprehensive programme of activities learning, and outreach, is now in place.
The formal opening was held on Saturday 16th November when the cutting of the ribbon was performed by the Mayor, Sara Fox, together with mini mayor Evelyn. Sara and Evelyn were accompanied by Tony Bone Chair of Aldeburgh Museum and Sue Beardsmore Chair of the National Lottery committee for the Midlands and the East. Tony Bone thanked the National Lottery Heritage fund for their grant and Sue Beardsmore thanked National Lottery players without whose support such grants would not be possible. The museum was open on Saturday and Sunday with free entry and all were offered a celebratory cupcake. Children dressed up as mini mayors and adults and children alike enjoyed the new films and interactive exhibits. During the winter the Museum is open on weekends (apart from January) and every day from Easter until the end of October – see website for details.