The Museum of Somerset

The Museum of Somerset Set in the heart of Taunton, The Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th century Taunton Castle. The museum also houses the Somerset Military Museum.
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Set in the heart of Taunton, The Museum of Somerset lies within the 12th century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day, using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present. From an under-floor Plesiosaur, to the largest collection of Roman coins ever discovered

in Britain, in a single pot, and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes – The Museum of Somerset is a must-see visitor attraction. It contains objects from across many of the museum’s collections, including geology, archaeology, medieval and ethnography. As well as the permanent galleries, the museum offers regularly changing exhibitions and activities such as family drop-in sessions and ‘talk and tea’ with curators or special guests. There is a programme of special events, including evening talks, music and outdoor theatre. The Museum of Somerset is part of The South West Heritage Trust; a new independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage. The Trust brings together services previously provided by Somerset and Devon County Councils, who remain our main funders. Services include the widely-praised Museum of Somerset, Somerset Rural Life Museum, and state-of-the-art facilities in Taunton and Exeter to care for the extraordinary archive collections of the two counties. We also provide essential advice about the historic environment and manage historic sites including the remarkable Cothelstone Hill in Somerset. For more information:

http://museumofsomerset.org.uk/

www.swheritage.org.uk

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PROMOTIONS: Any promotion or competition run on this page is by the South West Heritage Trust and administered in accordance with Facebook's T & Cs> https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php

✨ Toddler Explorers incoming! - A Movement and dance-focussed session🕺💃Toddler Explorers: Roger Fry next Friday! Don't f...
29/05/2026

✨ Toddler Explorers incoming! - A Movement and dance-focussed session🕺💃

Toddler Explorers: Roger Fry next Friday! Don't forget to book your space 💛

💃Dance & move around the museum like an art critic with Somerset dance artist Asha Pathy-Barker, and hear the story I Am An Artist (Marta Altés). This session is inspired by the Roger Fry art exhibition, and your ticket includes entry to the exhibition.

📅Friday 5 June
📍Museum of Somerset
🕦 10:30 & 1:30
👶Aimed at ages 1-3years

27/05/2026

3 modernism tricks you can steal from Roger Fry👀🤫

🌟 We’re Hiring – Fundraising Manager 🏛️This is an exciting opportunity to join the South West Heritage Trust at a pivota...
26/05/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Fundraising Manager 🏛️

This is an exciting opportunity to join the South West Heritage Trust at a pivotal time and play a key role in strengthening our long-term financial sustainability. As our first dedicated fundraising professional, you’ll help shape and grow our charity fundraising activity.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated individual who can work collaboratively across the organisation to identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, develop individual giving and legacy support, and establish effective systems to support fundraising success.

You’ll build a strong pipeline of opportunities to support exhibitions, learning programmes, collections work, and the Trust’s wider strategic priorities. This is a varied and rewarding role that calls for excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, can-do approach.

Key Information
📍 Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰ Hours of Work: 37 hours per week
📝 Contract: One year fixed-term
📅 Closing Date: 9am, Monday 1 June 2026

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our website
Please note that CVs are not accepted as applications.

The South West Heritage Trust is committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups within the heritage sector.

👜🎨 Don’t forget to book for this Friday’s family workshop!Our Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag workshop is a bri...
24/05/2026

👜🎨 Don’t forget to book for this Friday’s family workshop!

Our Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag workshop is a brilliant way for families to explore art, try something new, and make something you’ll be proud to take home.

We'll treat you to a short guided tour of Roger Fry's exhibition for inspiration. Then you can carve your own printing block and use it to print a unique tote bag — a hands‑on experience led by the fantastic artists at GoCreate.

📅 Friday 29 May
🕥 10:30–12:30
Ages 5–15

Secure your spot before it fills ➜ swheritage.org.uk/events/family-workshops/

🎨👜 Get creative this half‑term at the Museum of Somerset!Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag At this family worksho...
22/05/2026

🎨👜 Get creative this half‑term at the Museum of Somerset!
Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag

At this family workshop kids can design and print their very own tote bag in a hands‑on workshop inspired by Roger Fry’s bold, expressive style.
Carve a printing block, ink it up, and take home a unique tote bag — guided by GoCreate Taunton.
📅 Friday 29 May
🕥 10:30–12:30
Ages 5–15
👉Book the last spaces ➜ swheritage.org.uk/events/family-workshops/

Visit Somerset Somerset Live Taunton Parents Taunton Town Council

22/05/2026

👜✨ Design Your Own Tote Bag — 29 May
A hands‑on family workshop where kids carve a printing block and print their own tote inspired by Roger Fry.
Ages 5–15 | 10:30–12:30
Last spaces — https://swheritage.org.uk/events/family-workshops/

🌟 We’re Hiring – Exhibition Technician 🏛️The South West Heritage Trust is looking for a skilled and practical Exhibition...
21/05/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Exhibition Technician 🏛️

The South West Heritage Trust is looking for a skilled and practical Exhibition Technician to help create high‑quality, engaging exhibitions across the Trust's museum sites.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong hands‑on making skills, an eye for design, and a passion for crafting memorable visitor experiences. Working as part of our Design and Curatorial team, you’ll support the creation, installation and maintenance of exhibitions and displays, producing bespoke elements and ensuring the galleries look their best.

You’ll play a key role in delivering a varied programme of exhibitions and heritage projects, working flexibly across the year depending on project needs, with occasional evening and weekend work.

Key Information
📍 Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰ Hours: Annualised hours (equivalent to 14.8 hours per week / approx. 770 hours per year)
💼 Contract: Annualised Hours
💷 FTE Salary: £31,528 (Pro Rata)

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our website.
Please note that CVs are not accepted — applications must be submitted using the South West Heritage Trust application form.

The South West Heritage Trust is committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups under‑represented within the heritage sector.

🌟 We’re Hiring – Chew Valley Hoard Project Engagement Officer 🏛️This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a ...
20/05/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Chew Valley Hoard Project Engagement Officer 🏛️

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a high-profile heritage project, helping bring the remarkable story of the Chew Valley Hoard to life.

We’re looking for an experienced and creative community engagement professional to lead the delivery of a vibrant programme of activities, co-creation and learning. You’ll work with diverse audiences, partners and volunteers to inspire participation and ensure meaningful engagement locally and beyond.

The Chew Valley Hoard, the largest Norman coin hoard ever discovered, is at the heart of a major project including a new permanent gallery, a year-long exhibition, and an ambitious two-year engagement programme reaching thousands of people.

Key Information
📍Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰Hours of Work: 22.2 hours per week
📝Contract: Fixed term (22 months – September 2026 to June 2028)
📅Closing Date: 9am, 8 June 2026

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, head to our website.
Please note: CVs are not accepted as applications.

The South West Heritage Trust welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to building a diverse organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

Looking for something to do with the kids this half term?Go Create are leading two family workshops at The Museum of Som...
19/05/2026

Looking for something to do with the kids this half term?

Go Create are leading two family workshops at The Museum of Somerset, perfect for creative minds!🎨

Matisse in Bloom: A Creative Paper Cut Workshop with GoCreate 📃
Create vibrant, Matisse-inspired paper cut and collage artwork using flowers as your subject.
📅Thursday 28 May
🕜10:30 & 13:30
💷£20 per child

Print Like Fry: Design Your Own Tote Bag 👜
Create a printing block then use it to print your own custom fabric tote bag.
📅Friday 29 May
🕜10:30 & 13:30
💷£20 per child

Suitable for ages 5-15, max 3 children per accompanying adult who stays for the duration of the workshop.

18/05/2026

Roger Fry changed British art, but
his story is often overlooked.

Fiona McKenzie Johnston’s new book Roger Fry:
Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art explores
his life as a critic, curator and key figure in the
Bloomsbury Group, from post-impressionism to the
Omega Workshops.

Join Fiona and curator Tim Martin for an evening of
conversation, exclusive access to A Life in Art: Roger
Fry, and a book signing at the end.

📅Thursday 4 June 2026, 7:30
📍The Museum of Somerset

📸The Black Sea Coast, 1911, Museum & Art Swindon.
Photo © Museum & Art Swindon

Triglyph Books


🌼 May Half Term Fun inSomerset with the South West Heritage Trust! 🌼There’s something for every young creator, storytell...
15/05/2026

🌼 May Half Term Fun in
Somerset with the South West Heritage Trust! 🌼

There’s something for every young creator, storyteller
and history‑lover this half term.

🏛️ Museum of Somerset, Taunton:
🎨 Young Designers Drop‑in — 26–27 May. Decorate a
cushion or photo frame to take home.
✂️ Matisse in Bloom with GoCreate — 28 May. Create
vibrant Matisse‑inspired paper collages. Booking
required, £20, ages 5–15.
👜 Print Like Fry: Tote Bag Workshop — 29 May.
Design and print your own fabric tote. Booking
required, £20, ages 5–15.

🚜 Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury:
🪵 Wonders in Wood — 25–29 May. Family activities
inspired by Glastonbury artist Harry Brockway. Included
with Museum Unlimited Pass.

⚔️ Avalon Archaeology, Shapwick:
🔥 Beowulf: A Warrior’s World — 28 May. A
child‑friendly performance with warrior‑craft activities.
Booking required, £20 per child.
🛠️ Bronze Age Crafts & Demos — 30 May. See ancient
craft demonstrations and try hands‑on activities.
Drop‑in.

🧱 Somerset Brick & Tile Museum, Bridgwater:
🎪 Play with Clay: Bunting — 26 & 28 May. Make
personalised clay bunting to take home.

✨ Explore, create and discover Somerset’s heritage
this half term. ✨
👉Head to our bio for full details




Visit Somerset

Address

Castle Green
Taunton
TA14AA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01823 255088

Website

https://linktr.ee/MuseumofSomerset

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