Saturday, 12 July marks the Grand Opening of Salisbury’s new world-class £2.4 million Wessex Gallery of Archaeology at Salisbury Museum in Wiltshire, by BBC Time Team and Coast presenter Professor Alice Roberts. Join in on an action-packed day of celebrations, special events, amazing displays and demonstrations – free to the public – from 10am to 5pm.
The Gallery which faces Salisbury Cathedral in The Close, houses one of England’s most extensive collections of Stonehenge and prehistoric artefacts including the recently discovered Amesbury Archer – popularly dubbed the ‘King of Stonehenge’. With more than 2,000 rare and exciting pieces on show, Wessex Gallery gives a fascinating and never-before-seen insight into early Britain, from the mathematical genius of the ancient Britons and Beaker people through to the Roman invasion, the Norman Conquest and medieval Salisbury. It has received just under £1.8 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in recognition of the region’s internationally important archaeological findings. The gallery replaces the old Stonehenge, Pitt-Rivers and Early Man galleries.
Salisbury Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN, Tel 01722 332151 or visit: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk
Opening times from 12 July: Monday – Saturday, including bank holidays, 10am – 5pm: Sundays (during June – September) 12 noon – 5pm.