A museum fit for the future

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery is set to undertake one of the most dramatic changes in its 126-year-old history as work begins to modernise and refresh displays, introduce a digital cultural heritage offer, and improve the customer experience.

The temporary closure of the Museum due to Covid-19 and the ongoing challenge of introducing safety measures in a 600-year-old building which doesn’t lend itself to social distancing, has provided an opportunity for the Council to look at ways of refreshing and modernising its offer to the public whilst the building is closed.

Horsham District Council is committed to safeguarding and protecting the District’s heritage, culture and memories and the Museum in the Causeway provides the perfect backdrop to tell Horsham’s story. The refresh will tell new stories with rationalised and carefully curated collections and will use digital technology to complement the offer.

In the meantime the Council has overcome the challenges of social distancing and launched a new website to allow visitors from across the world to discover stories and objects from Horsham District’s past. New features and sections will continue to be added over the coming months, encouraging more people than ever to engage with Horsham District’s history.

The online experience is complemented by a new tourist information section on the Discover Horsham District website, supporting many local businesses and attractions.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Jonathan Chowen, said: “No museum likes to close its doors but, whilst on pause, we are taking the opportunity to refresh our museum and modernise our offering so that we can reach and inspire many more people when we reopen.

We are really excited with our new and emerging digital heritage experience, which we hope will attract many people of all ages to learn more about Horsham District’s history and enjoy what we have to offer.

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Jonathan Chowen

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .