The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum has seen an increase in visitors since reopening after a break of nearly two years – now sharing its home at Windsor Guildhall with the Royal Windsor Information Centre.
The council has brought together these complementary facilities within a fitting destination location, meaning people can explore the fascinating exhibits and get expert visitor information all under one historic roof – with admission free to all.
The museum has been in the Guildhall for more than 10 years and previously there had been an entry fee. The Information Centre was formerly located separately, a short distance away in the Old Ticket Office at Windsor Royal Station.
Work to create the new Visitor Information desk and reconfigure the internal space was undertaken while the museum was closed to the public during Covid. Visitor numbers to the Guildhall are now above pre-pandemic levels, with staff helping to assist and inspire visitors to discover more about our unique Royal Borough.
Councillor Samantha Rayner, deputy council leader and cabinet member for corporate and resident services, culture and heritage, and Windsor, said: “This exciting partnership, bringing together two complementary facilities in the historical heart of Windsor town centre, certainly offers an enhanced visitor experience and I’m very pleased to hear that numbers have increased.
“Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help with a wide range of services for visitors and local residents alike, from booking attractions, event tickets and places to stay, through to travel information and generally promoting our local tourism and hospitality businesses.
“The museum is great for visitors and residents of all ages who want to discover and learn more about our unique borough, and I’d encourage everyone to visit the fascinating exhibits, especially as entry is now free to all. I’d also like to express the council’s thanks and gratitude to the volunteers who help at the museum.
“The Royal Borough has a fabulously rich cultural heritage to uncover. We have some new objects on display at the museum, including our 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk and a new display celebrating the second Elizabethan Age, which features key objects that offer snapshots into how the world has evolved during Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year reign. I’m also excited that the British Museum’s latest exhibition features artefacts on loan from our collection, relating to a prehistoric Beaker burial excavated at Horton in 2011.”
The museum and visitor centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10pm to 4pm. Visit www.windsormuseum.org.uk and www.windsor.gov.uk