Bagshaw Museum

Bagshaw Museum will be closed for structural work and gallery developments jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Kirklees Council. The museum is due to reopen later in 2009.

This stunning Victorian Gothic former mill owner's house is set in 36 aces of parkland and ancient woodland. The home of George Sheard from 1875-1902, the house became a museum in 1911 and was named after its first curator, Walter Bagshaw. His daughter, Violet, continued to travel the world and bring back items for the museum until she was over a hundred years old!

The collections include a wide range of unusual and exciting things from around the globe. Travel the world and visit Ancient Egypt, South Asia, the British seaside and the rainforest - all under one roof!

Where else could you find a golden eagle, a mummy's hand, Chinese dragons and a vulture?

Permanent displays include The Kingdom of Osiris, an atmospheric Egyptology gallery where dramatic lighting effects help to recreate the interior of a tomb, The Enchanted Forest, with sound effects and creatures from the Amazonian rainforest, and the Gods, Divine Creatures and Mythical Beasts gallery, showcasing beautiful decorative arts from India, China, Africa and Japan.

And it's not just the far away that fascinates. The Fabric of Batley gallery looks at local history through the mills, mansions and terraces of the local area.

You'll find that Bagshaw Museum is a very surprising place.

Ask for more information about the year round events, temporary exhibitions and education programme.

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