Telling the story of Watford, past and present...

The 'Visit England' accredited Watford Museum is housed in the former offices of Benskins Brewery at the bottom of the High Street, near Watford High Street Station.

Telling the story of Watford past and present, the museum has displays of local history, industry and archaeology. These include Watford at War, Print and Brewing and a display on Watford Football Club – which includes some fabulous Elton John memorabilia. Other permanent displays include the Cassiobury Collection of Fine Art, which features portraits of the Essex Family.

As well as its wonderful displays, the museum has a full calendar of events and activities going on. From action packed activities for children to themed walking tours of Watford High Street. These are all complimented by an ongoing series of exhibitions at the museum’s Space2 Watford art gallery.

Education and Outreach

Watford Museum offers a range of learning opportunities for all ages.

Schools

Watford Museum provides a free service for schools. Arrange a visit to the museum, book a heritage trail or borrow a box of original objects on themes including toys, the Victorians and World War II. Watford Museum also has local history resource packs available to borrow, with photographs, newspaper clippings and information on themes about Watford.

Families

Have a go at exploring the galleries with Watford Museum's activity tables. You can build an Anderson shelter, become an archaeologist or design a new advert to promote Watford. There are also regular workshop events on different themes throughout the year.

Community

A range of services are on offer for community groups and local societies, including special visits to the museum or your own High Street Trail. Watford Museum works in partnership with a diverse range of local partners projects across the town.

Events

Watford Museum offers an every-changing, eclectic programme of events and activities to suit all ages and tastes.

From free family-focused Easter and Christmas workshops to talks and exhibitions from local authors, artists and experts; regular High Street Trails to a Scrabble Club held at 2pm every Friday for just £1.50 per session, you are sure to find something going on at Watford Museum that will inspire and illuminate.

Space2

Space2 is a contemporary gallery space in Watford Museum. It plays host to a wide range of visual art exhibitions, and offers a platform for talented local and regional artists to exhibit their work. Complimentary workshops and talks are also held alongside exhibitions.

The Little Gallery Tearoom

On the fourth Saturday of each month, you are invited to The Little Gallery Tearoom at Watford Museum for Fairtrade coffee and mouthwatering homemade cakes. Every month, the Little Gallery has a different exhibitor, as well as an artist-led adult workshop.

Friends of Watford Museum

The friends of Watford Museum support the work of the museum and organise their own programme of talks and events.

Membership includes free entry to Friends events and regular newsletters. To join, please pick up an application form at the museum.

Facilities

• Toilets
• Wheelchair access: toilets, entrance for wheelchair users at rear, lift to first floor
• Baby-changing facilities
• Museum shop and garden
• Car parking at museum and nearby

Contact Watford Museum

Please call Watford Museum on 01923 232297 for further details about the events and activities taking place over the coming weeks and months.

Opening times

The museum is open from Thursday – Saturday between 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Location

Watford Museum is located in the former Benskins Brewery Mansion:

194 Lower High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2DT.

Watford Museum would like to give a big thank you to Dave Parker for the photograhps provided.

© The Best of Watford