Warwickshire News Mine

Ten museums, ranging from local authority museums in Leamington and Rugby to large visitor attractions like Compton Verney and Coventry Transport Museum, have been given an award for excellence by the government’s agency for museums, galleries, libraries and archives, the MLA.

They underwent vigorous scrutiny into how well they look after historic collections on the publics’ behalf; how they look after visitors; and, how well they are managed.

Edwina Cordwell, Head of Libraries, Learning and Culture for Warwickshire County Council, said: “Our county is proud to have so many Accredited sites. The award gives the visitor confidence that they are getting a good deal and the community gets assurance that their wonderful historic treasures are being looked after properly.

“What better recommendation for local residents and visitors alike - ten wonderful places to visit and all within easy reach.”

Two museums were given extra commendations; Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery for their Forward Planning and the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon for the management of their vehicle and archive collections.

Not content to raising a glass to the awards, all ten museums have decided to throw open their doors and allow lucky members of the public to see just what does go on when the museum is closed.

The public are invited to visit one of the museums and enter a free competition to win a special day behind the scenes at a museum of their choice.

Glynis Powell, Museums Development Officer based at Warwick Museum, said: “People will be fascinated by what it takes to look after a Victorian silk dress, a vintage car, to see what lies in the stores or to find out how an exhibition is put together.”

The competition winners will get full V.I.P. treatment spending a day with a curator in the places not normally seen by the public and exploring the hidden stories of their favourite objects. There is a category for adults and one for children.

The competition is free and open until October 3rd. Visit one of the sites below to pick up an entry form.

* Compton Verney
* Coventry Transport Museum
* Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon
* Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum
* Midland Air Museum, Baginton
* Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery
* RSC Collection, Stratford
* Rugby Art Gallery and Museum
* The Shakespeare Houses and Gardens
* Warwickshire County Museums (Market Hall and St John’s)

Nb Entry fee applies to some sites.

Link to WCC