Banbury Museum & Gallery opened in 2002
Our Museum’s origins stretch back to the 1940s when a collection of historic exhibits were displayed in the town’s library in Marlborough Rd. In 1980, the collection moved to 8 Horsefair, overlooking Banbury Cross. This historic building, originally built for Banbury’s Poor Law Guardians, provided a home for the Museum until 1999.
A town centre redevelopment at Castle Quay provided the opportunity to build a new museum, purposed designed, with more space for displays and activities, in a great canal-side location. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the community, the new Museum, designed by ECD Architects of London, opened in September 2002.
From the 1940s until 2013, the museum in Banbury has been provided by the Local Authority. An exciting new chapter began in November 2013, when a new charity, The Banbury Museum Trust, took full responsibility for the Museum.
For all the latest news about the museum, check out our blog.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission Banbury Museum & Gallery is a place of new ideas: we reflect world-changing ideas of the past and work with people from all backgrounds to create the future.
Our Vision We would like our visitors to:
- Realise what makes this area so special.
- Become the best version of yourself.
- Understand your shared heritage with other people living nearby.
- Feel warm and welcomed.