03/11/2026
🏰✨ Exciting things are happening at The Museum of Somerset!
The Museum is preparing to welcome the incredible Chew Valley Hoard in 2027, and Taunton Town Council is delighted to have supported bringing this important piece of history to Taunton! 🪙
To prepare for its arrival, some work is needed to ensure the hoard can be safely housed and beautifully displayed.
📅 What does this mean for visitors?
🏛️ Throughout November: The Museum remains open, with some closures including the Great Hall (the large room with the roman mosaic).
🚧 From 1 December: The Museum and café will close while work takes place.
🎅 The good news! Santa's Grotto will still go ahead in the Almshouse Grotto and Castle House, along with the planned courses and Christmas sewing workshops!
🎄 Santa's Grotto bookings are open now! Book through the Museum's website:
https://swheritage.org.uk/museum-of-somerset/whats-on/
Please read before your next visit
The Museum of Somerset is temporarily closing in phases as we prepare for our landmark Chew Valley Hoard exhibition in 2027 and undertake essential conservation works.
These important improvements will help safeguard the historic Grade I listed building and collections for future generations. A major part of the project will see the floor of the Great Hall carefully removed and reinstated.
While our doors are closed, the team will be working behind the scenes to create the museum's most ambitious exhibition yet, including the display of coins from the nationally significant Chew Valley Hoard.
Phase 1: 3 – 28 November 2026
Need to know:
• The Museum remains open for visits
• The Great Hall (Foundations Stones Gallery and Claiming The Land Gallery) is closed with a revised route in place for visitors
• The Courtyard Café is open
• The RPS International Photography Exhibition 167 is open
• Events will continue as advertised
Phase 2: From 1 Dec 2026
While contractors are working on site the museum will be closed. This is to ensure the safety of collections, staff, visitors and volunteers.
Need to know:
• The Museum is closed to visits during this period
• The Courtyard Café is closed
• Santa’s Grotto will take place in the Almshouse Grotto and in Castle House. Bookings are open!
Thank you for your patience as we invest in the future of the museum. Subject to the completion of work the museum is expected to reopen in late February/early March. You will be the first to know and we look forward to sharing more about the Chew Valley Hoard exhibition.
Questions?
• Visit the FAQs on our website: https://swheritage.org.uk/museum-of-somerset/faqs/?campaignkw=FAQs&_linkgroups=FAQs
• DM us and we’ll get right back to you