Having free range to explore an empty museum at night filled with treasures, mummies and even dinosaurs is a childhood fantasy we all thought about once – something which Night at the Museum definitely picked up on!
You won’t have to apply to become the night watchman any time soon to see the magic of art, culture and history come to life during the twilight hours, thanks to the Museums at Night happening this weekend!
All UK museums, galleries and heritage sites are opening their doors after hours to the public to showcase their latest exhibitions and to satisfy our curiosity.
Here are all the local events that are happening this weekend for you to explore and find out what really happens after dark…
Friday 13th May
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry
19:30 – 22:30
The Herbert is opening its doors for an exciting night of art, storytelling and socialising! If you like to doodle – just admit it who doesn’t – the Herbert is linking up with the BBC Storytelling Festival for inspiration to get your pens and pencils scribbling. Check out the Mee Club who will be chatting about Small Things and nibble on the tasty refreshments available from the café!
Compton Verney, Warwick
17:30 – 20:30
View Shakespeare in Art exhibition alongside experts from Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, who are on hand to introduce you to plays including Macbeth and Hamlet. You can also explore the labyrinth in the park or watch a screening of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
Newman Brothers at the Coffin Works, Birmingham
18:30 – 20:30
If you’re looking for an in-depth discussion for your Friday night, head over to the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham to discuss the myths surrounding death, dying and funerals. You’ll also get a tour of the award-winning New Brothers Factory for the price of your ticket!
Games and Toys Night: St. John’s House Museum, Warwick
17:00 – 21:00
Fancy a game of ludo or a spot of scrabble? This joint event from St John’s Museum and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum has fun and games for everyone – there’s even spacehoppers!
Reggae Night: The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
19:00 – 22:00
The sun may be teasing us lately but you can definitely look forward to summer with an evening of live Reggae music and a bar serving range of Caribbean refreshments.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Rugby
17:30 – 21:30
All aboard! Discover the town’s railway heritage with the opportunity to travel around the Rugby town Centre, with train displays, Victorian platforms, engineering demonstrations and much more happening. [All tickets must be bought in advance]
Saturday 14th May
Step Inside the Industrial Revolution at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
19:00 – 22:30
Step back in time with the Black Country Living Museum as it recreates industrial life, including a replica of the world’s very first successful steam engine. Hammers will be clanging to forge chains and Black Country bards will be quoting poetry, so it will definitely be an extraordinary experience!
The Roaring Twenties: Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum, Leamington Spa
19:30 – 23:00
Enjoy some 1920s jazz music and get your feet into action with your best Charleston in Leamington Spa on Saturday night. Strike a pose in the photo-booth and make history – 1920s history to be precise!
