The Museum of Somerset
The Museum of Somerset tells the county's story from prehistoric times to the present day using real objects combined with evocative films, sounds and images, and the voices and words of Somerset people past and present.
Entry to the museum is free.
Amongst the treasures on display is the Frome Hoard, which is the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in Britain in a single container.
The museum has set a new standard in the county for a modern visitor attraction. It is Trip Advisor's number one attraction in Taunton.
The creation of The Museum of Somerset was made possible by a £4.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1.8 million from Somerset County Council. Other funding partners included Viridor Environmental Credits, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, Taunton Deane Borough Council, the Somerset Military Museum Trust, and the Mercer's Foundation.
Latest news A Celebration of Somerset Folk Song - with Yvette Staelens and special guests on Saturday 26 May The Museum of Somerset is hosting a special evening of Somerset folk song on Saturday 26 May with singer Yvette Staelens and special guests. Meet your singing ancestors and hear the songs they sang at home with friends and family, in the tap room, the withy yard and in the fields and farms of Somerset. Yvette will introduce the Somerset people whose songs were collected by Cecil Sharp, the pioneering folk-music collector, over a hundred years ago. Light refreshments, including wine and beer, will be available. Tickets cost £8 and are available from the museum. Way of the Warrior A new national touring exhibition called Way of the Warrior is running at the museum from 14 July until 29 September. This visually stunning exhibition of movie arms and armour includes props from some of the biggest historical blockbuster movies including Gladiator, The Last Samurai and Saving Private Ryan. |
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This must-see visitor attraction contains objects from across many of the museum's collections, including geology, archaeology, medieval and ethnography. The museum also houses the Somerset Military Museum. There are lots of interactives and family areas for visitors of all ages to enjoy
As well as the permanent galleries, the museum offers regularly changing temporary exhibitions and activities such as family drop-in sessions and lunchtime talks. There is also a programme of special events, including evening talks, music and outdoor theatre. Please click on the 'General advice' tab to see more about our upcoming special events.
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Our current exhibition is 'Worn to be Wild', a vibrant exhibition of fashion through the ages inspired by the wildlife of Britain. |
Details are available from the events listing or by following the museum's Facebook page.
The museum café offers home-made Somerset treats, and is the perfect venue for a light lunch or afternoon tea.
Please click on the left-hand logo below to see our menu, and the right-hand logo for our functions and events catering menu.
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The museum shop stocks a range of reasonably-priced gifts, cards, toys and books including the Made in Somerset range of local food and drink.
Guided group tours and private venue hire outside of museum opening hours are available.
For more information about this, and for details of volunteering opportunities at the museum, please phone (01823) 255088 or email museumofsomerset@somerset.gov.uk
How much does it cost?
Entry to the museum is free. Charges apply for some activities and events. Pre-booking is required for guided tours and some activities. Please see details of individual events on our events listings or contact the museum for details.
Where is it?
The Museum of Somerset is based in Taunton Castle, on Castle Green in the centre of Taunton.There is no parking on the site, but Taunton bus station is within 50 metres of the museum. The museum is also close to the town car parks. Taunton railway station is approximately ¾ mile from the museum.
We recommend that you use either of Taunton's Park and Ride services, both of which drop off within 100 metres of the museum. This service does not operate on Sundays or Public Holidays.
Please note: The car park directly opposite the museum in Castle Green is now closed permanently
Access
Physical access to almost all the site is provided by two passenger lifts. The Discovery and Singing Galleries can be accessed by a stair lift with accompanying wheelchair. There is no parking available on site, but it is possible to drop off disabled visitors outside the museum. Please contact us if you require assistance in accessing the museum.
The Museum of Somerset
Taunton Castle
Castle Green
Taunton
TA1 4AA
Phone 01823 255088
| Contact type | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Contact | Museum of Somerset |
| Address | The Museum of Somerset |
| Contact no | 01823 255088 |
| Fax | 01823 347459 |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday to Saturday, and Bank Holiday Mondays: 10:00am to 5:00pm |
General
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| A celebration of Somerset folk song Saturday 26 May 2012, 7.30pm The Museum of Somerset Tickets £8 | Fathers Day Special Sunday 17 June 2012, 12pm to 6pm The Museum of Somerset Free entry | John Hanning Speke - Somerset's boldest explorer. |
Information and Resources
The documents on this website can be downloaded and are published using Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To view or print these documents, Adobe's Acrobat PDF reader is required, which can be downloaded from Adobe Systems' website http://www.get.adobe.com/uk/reader/ (external link).
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