More galleries at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will reopen in time for half term, giving visitors access to more of Stoke-on-Trent's history and archaeology.
From Saturday 24 October, the museum’s Local History, Archaeology and Staffordshire Hoard: Treasure of Mercia galleries will once again welcome visitors, while two new displays will also go on show.
Staffordshire Folklore: Stories, Beliefs and Legends from the Landscape explores the myths, traditions and legends that have shaped communities across the county.
What’s In Store? offers a rare glimpse into the museum’s collections, bringing together a selection of objects not normally on public display.
A new learning space will also open, providing a dedicated home for curriculum-linked workshops, hands-on activities, family events and holiday programmes. It will also showcase artwork, projects and creative responses from local schools and community groups.
While the original Staffordshire Hoard objects will remain off display until redevelopment works are completed next year, visitors will still be able to explore the wider history of Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire.
Displays include replica treasures, an unfolded recreation of the famous folded cross, examples of Anglo-Saxon weaponry, material from the Staffordshire Hoard helmet project and other archaeological finds from the period.
Visitors can also step inside the gallery's immersive mead hall, where digital characters share stories of everyday life during the Anglo-Saxon period.
A programme of events and activities will also take place throughout October half term, with opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore local legends, get creative and enjoy family activities:
- Legends of North Staffordshire – Saturday 24 October: Folklorist Eli Lewis-Lycett explores local legends, including Molly Leigh and the Chained Oak of Alton. Free, 2pm–3pm.
- Create Your Own Clay Dragon – Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October: Children can sculpt their own dragon heads in a drop-in workshop. Recommended for ages seven and above. £3.60 per person, 10.30am–3pm.
- Dragon’s Realm Live! – Friday 30 October: An interactive experience featuring a life-sized walking dragon, a baby dragon, storytelling and live animals. Free, 11am–3pm.
- Diwali – Saturday 31 October: A celebration of the Festival of Lights with traditional music, dance and craft activities. Free, 11am–5.30pm.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see another phase of The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery’s re-opening completed ahead of half term.
“Visitors will be able to explore more of the museum’s collections, alongside new displays and objects that are not normally on public view.”
“With more galleries open, a new learning space and a packed programme of activities taking place throughout the break, there’s plenty for families – and everyone - to enjoy.”
The latest phase marks another milestone in the museum’s ongoing transformation, following the reopening of the Spitfire Gallery, Forum Theatre and Violet’s Café earlier this year. During a recent visit, representatives from Arts Council England praised the progress being made on the £5 million redevelopment, which is being delivered by Seddon following funding secured through the Cultural Development Fund from Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Access to the museum will be via the café entrance by the Spitfire Gallery.
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