Colchester’s Natural History Museum to reopen for October half term

Date issued: 21 October 2020

One of Colchester’s most popular museums for families will re-open its doors to the public for the October half term holiday.

Colchester + Ipswich Museums were thrilled to have been awarded £84,500 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, last week. The grant will help Colchester + Ipswich Museums face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure it has a sustainable future.

Thanks to this grant, Colchester’s award-winning Natural History Museum, which is hugely popular with younger families, will be able to reopen its doors for the first time since the pandemic began.

The museum will open its doors on Tuesday 27 October and remain open until further notice. There will be no need to book in advance, but visitors are reminded to visit in family bubbles of no more than six people, including babies and children. Face masks must be worn inside the museum. A queuing system will be in operation and track and trace details will be gathered.

The Natural History Museum displays a vast array of collections that focus on wildlife and geology in Britain and North-East Essex in particular. The museum allows children to learn about the natural environment, whilst keeping them engaged through play and interactive exhibits, such as magnifying glasses and microscopes.  

Please note that whilst the museum endeavours to have as many interactive exhibits open as possible, some may not be available, to ensure all visitors can safely enjoy the museum.

Visitors will be guided through a new one-way system, but don’t worry – there will be plenty of signage to help guide you through safely, and hand sanitiser-stations will be freely available. Above all, the friendly museum team will be on hand to help everyone have a wonderful visit.

The museum is free of charge to visitors and has plenty to keep the whole family occupied.

Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors, once again, to this hugely popular museum in the heart of Colchester, and just in time for half term. Why not combine a trip with a visit to Colchester Castle, where I’ve heard Wally is hiding just across the road!”