Ipswich Museums

Ipswich Museums Explore Ipswich’s past with stories that will inspire you.

This fascinating and unique museum gives you the opportunity to meet the famous woolly mammoth, the elegant towering giraffe and other wonderful curiosities from the natural world.

Ipswich Museum may be closed for redevelopment, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops! We're bringing history straigh...
05/02/2025

Ipswich Museum may be closed for redevelopment, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops! We're bringing history straight to your classroom with Ancient Egyptians: On the Road! This workshop brings museum collections into the classroom, offering pupils an unforgettable hands-on experience that sparks curiosity and wonder.

📅 Available on Tuesdays & Wednesdays throughout 2025
🔗 Full information at ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/learn/museum-sessions/ancient-egyptians

Pens? ✅Schedules? ✅A cuddly mammoth? ✅We’re ready to welcome educators for tomorrow’s Teacher Conference! Looking forwar...
04/02/2025

Pens? ✅
Schedules? ✅
A cuddly mammoth? ✅

We’re ready to welcome educators for tomorrow’s Teacher Conference! Looking forward to a fantastic day of workshops, discussions, and museum fun. See you soon!

04/02/2025

Signing shirts on the last day of school? Classic. But what about signing the gym wall? A rumour spread through Year 11 that teachers had given permission—and well, who wouldn’t jump at the chance? 😏

Among those who joined in was Caz—but when students were pulled out of assembly for a telling-off, she mysteriously escaped punishment. Did the teachers really think Kaz had signed his name twice on the wall? Or did Caz just get away with it? 🤔😂

This brilliant memory comes from a digital storytelling project by Chronicle Digital Storytelling, capturing personal experiences of Ipswich life. Ever got away with something at school? Spill your best stories in the comments!

Have you ever wondered which mammals visit your garden at night? 🌙 Come along to our workshop on Thursday 20 February t...
03/02/2025

Have you ever wondered which mammals visit your garden at night? 🌙 Come along to our workshop on Thursday 20 February to find out how you can identify small mammals by looking at their footprints. Make an eco-friendly footprint tunnel, using upcycled materials, to take away and set up in your own garden!

Book tickets: https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/make-a-mammal-footprint-tunnel/

Step into the world of Ancient Egypt with our Exciting Egyptians loan box! This treasure chest, designed to replicate on...
03/02/2025

Step into the world of Ancient Egypt with our Exciting Egyptians loan box! This treasure chest, designed to replicate one found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, is packed with high-quality replicas made by local artisans and sourced from the British Museum.

Teachers will also receive a detailed fact file, an activity pack, and two short films to help bring Ancient Egypt to life in the classroom. This incredible resource is now available for just £30 for a 4-week hire. Book today and let your students embark on a magical journey into the past!

🔗ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/learn/teacherresources/excitingegyptians

Our Friends at DanceEast are excited to welcome 2Faced Dance Company and their show Fish Boy to Ipswich on Friday 14 Feb...
02/02/2025

Our Friends at DanceEast are excited to welcome 2Faced Dance Company and their show Fish Boy to Ipswich on Friday 14 February. Let imaginations soar in this visual feast of incredible dance, circus and theatre.

Full of fun, excitement, humour and adventure, Fish Boy is a delightful performance and the perfect introduction to contemporary dance.

Head to DanceEast’s website to book your tickets: https://www.danceeast.co.uk/performances/2faced-dance-fish-boy/

Happy ! These nocturnal wanderers have been rustling through hedgerows and woodlands for over 15 million years, making ...
02/02/2025

Happy ! These nocturnal wanderers have been rustling through hedgerows and woodlands for over 15 million years, making them one of Britain’s most familiar wild mammals.

Did you know? European hedgehogs can have up to 7,000 spines, each lasting about a year before being replaced!

Sadly, these charming creatures are in decline due to habitat loss and road dangers. Want to help? Leave a little wild space in your garden, build a ‘hedgehog highway’ between fences, and avoid using pesticides.

Let’s show some love for our spiky friends today!

February has arrived, which means half term is just around the corner! Looking for something to entertain the kids? We h...
01/02/2025

February has arrived, which means half term is just around the corner! Looking for something to entertain the kids? We have lots of activities planned for the holidays.

🦔 Amazing Animals
🎨 Drawing Day workshop
🦡 FREE Discovery Day
🐾 Make a Mammal Footprint Tunnel workshop
🔎 Woolly's Wonderful Mammal Trail

See what's on: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

Once a striking example of Ipswich’s medieval architecture, Felaw’s House stood proudly on Foundation Street, part of a ...
01/02/2025

Once a striking example of Ipswich’s medieval architecture, Felaw’s House stood proudly on Foundation Street, part of a row of 14th and 15th-century timber-framed buildings. With its distinctive octagonal brick chimneys, it was home to Ipswich Grammar School from the 15th century until 1612, when it moved across the street to the Refectory of Blackfriars.

Richard Felaw, a respected merchant, Portman, Bailiff, and MP, left these houses to the school, ensuring that children from less fortunate backgrounds could receive an education. Among those who benefited was Thomas Wolsey—later Cardinal Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor of England—who established Cardinal College of Mary in Ipswich, though only the gateway near St Peter’s Church remains today.

By the mid-20th century, Ipswich was changing, and the buildings were removed as part of redevelopment plans. Today, a multi-storey car park stands in their place, but the legacy of Felaw’s generosity lives on through Ipswich School.

As you walk along Foundation Street, take a moment to picture the grand timber-framed houses that once stood there, a part of Ipswich’s rich and evolving history.

Next week on Thursday 6th February ‘Museum on the Move’ is popping up at Geek Retreat on Upper Brook Street, Ipswich. Dr...
31/01/2025

Next week on Thursday 6th February ‘Museum on the Move’ is popping up at Geek Retreat on Upper Brook Street, Ipswich. Drop-in anytime between 11am – 3pm.

Come along to discover some objects found right here in Ipswich. You’ll also be able to see the new Museum plans and descriptions for our new thematic spaces, create your own moving landscape, and play a game of cards inspired by William John Leggett's painted scenes of Ipswich.

Attention teachers in Ipswich and the surrounding areas! We invite you to participate in an engaging Teacher Advisory Pa...
31/01/2025

Attention teachers in Ipswich and the surrounding areas! We invite you to participate in an engaging Teacher Advisory Panel meeting.

Whether you are teaching in primary, secondary, or sixth form colleges, or are involved with special educational needs and alternative provision, your contributions and insights are highly valued.

This is an excellent opportunity to influence our offerings and ensure they align with your educational requirements. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot early! To book, visit: https://loom.ly/ipjqzYU

🏛️ Ipswich Museum Progress UpdateIn our latest blog post, we provide an exciting update on progress behind the scenes at...
30/01/2025

🏛️ Ipswich Museum Progress Update

In our latest blog post, we provide an exciting update on progress behind the scenes at Ipswich Museum. Construction works have continued, with the internal layout beginning to take shape and maintenance to the roof and brickwork also taking place.

Plus, we provide an insight into what our team members have been working on, including object selection, conservation, school and community engagement, and more.

Read our blog post to find out more: https://www.ipswichmuseum.co.uk/2025/01/progress-update-transforming-spaces-and-making-preparations/

Works have been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, through a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Meet one of the faces behind the thrilling world of Ipswich's banger racing! This sport isn't just about high-speed thri...
30/01/2025

Meet one of the faces behind the thrilling world of Ipswich's banger racing! This sport isn't just about high-speed thrills; it's a significant local tradition that boosts the economy and brings people together. Banger racing events draw crowds, fostering community spirit and enhancing local businesses.

How do local events like these influence your community? Come see how different communities have been captured in celebrations and events around the world: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/an-eye-for-life

29/01/2025

Classroom misbehaviour isn’t always about being disruptive—sometimes, it’s about confidence. A former teacher recalls how some pupils struggled, not just with a second language, but even their own. Back then, schools didn’t always recognise learning differences, but many are taking a more thoughtful approach today.

From early interventions for literacy challenges to recognising conditions like Dyslexia, Autism, and Irlen Syndrome, education has come a long way. But looking back, how did we ever expect every student to learn the same way at the same time?

This insight comes from a digital storytelling project by Chronicle Digital Storytelling, capturing personal memories of Ipswich. What are your school memories? Did you feel supported in learning how you learned best?

Are you looking to enrich your curriculum with more diverse, inclusive perspectives? Join us for a free professional dev...
28/01/2025

Are you looking to enrich your curriculum with more diverse, inclusive perspectives? Join us for a free professional development day for primary and secondary teachers!

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, this inspiring day is packed with practical ideas and subject knowledge to help you build a culturally diverse curriculum. You’ll leave with new tools, ideas, and connections to transform your teaching and inspire your students.

Refreshments are provided, but bring a packed lunch to help keep the event free for all! Spaces are free, but they won’t last long! Reserve your spot: https://loom.ly/Br2Ywuo

Join us for our next Mini Mansions sessions on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February. Our theme for this month will be Tell...
27/01/2025

Join us for our next Mini Mansions sessions on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February. Our theme for this month will be Telling the Time. ⏰ These group sessions are a great way for young children aged 2½ - 4 to learn, explore and play.

Book tickets: https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/mini-mansions-2025/

Big ideas start with small actions. Take 15 minutes to complete the Access Culture survey and let us know how Ipswich Mu...
27/01/2025

Big ideas start with small actions. Take 15 minutes to complete the Access Culture survey and let us know how Ipswich Museums can enhance accessibility.

🎁 You could win £100 vouchers for your thoughts!
🔗 https://www.research.net/r/HQV3LC2

Marriage—sometimes it’s a picture of harmony, sometimes it’s... a little more like this! 😅 In this vibrant 1930s paintin...
26/01/2025

Marriage—sometimes it’s a picture of harmony, sometimes it’s... a little more like this! 😅 In this vibrant 1930s painting by Cecil Howard Lay, a rural couple finds themselves in the middle of a very blustery day. Laundry is flying, animals are wandering, and their child is causing chaos—but they’re in it together.

Whether you’re holding the washing line or rebuilding what the wind has knocked over, here’s to those who stand beside us through it all! Tag someone who’s your partner in (domestic) adventure!

Address

High Street
Ipswich
IP13QH

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

01473 433551

Website

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Videos

Signing shirts on the last day of school? Classic. But what about signing the gym wall? A rumour spread through Year 11 that teachers had given permission—and well, who wouldn’t jump at the chance? 😏 Among those who joined in was Caz—but when students were pulled out of assembly for a telling-off, she mysteriously escaped punishment. Did the teachers really think Kaz had signed his name twice on the wall? Or did Caz just get away with it? 🤔😂 This brilliant memory comes from a digital storytelling project by Chronicle Digital Storytelling, capturing personal experiences of Ipswich life. Ever got away with something at school? Spill your best stories in the comments!

Classroom misbehaviour isn’t always about being disruptive—sometimes, it’s about confidence. A former teacher recalls how some pupils struggled, not just with a second language, but even their own. Back then, schools didn’t always recognise learning differences, but many are taking a more thoughtful approach today. From early interventions for literacy challenges to recognising conditions like Dyslexia, Autism, and Irlen Syndrome, education has come a long way. But looking back, how did we ever expect every student to learn the same way at the same time? This insight comes from a digital storytelling project by Chronicle Digital Storytelling, capturing personal memories of Ipswich. What are your school memories? Did you feel supported in learning how you learned best? #IpswichMuseums #SchoolDays #EducationThenAndNow

Starting high school can be daunting, especially with rumours of egg and flouring or the dreaded bogging. But amidst the nerves, one thing made all the difference—music. This glimpse into school life comes from a digital storytelling project by Chronicle Digital Storytelling, capturing personal memories from people across Ipswich. Did music (or another subject) help shape your school experience? #HolywellsMemories #MusicMatters

Meet Patsy Joan Blomfield, the proud owner of the driving licence we mentioned yesterday. But her story is much more than just a piece of paper—it’s a window into life in Ipswich during the 1940s, told through the loving memories of her younger sister. The video, beautifully crafted by John Royle at Chronicle Digital Storytelling, brings these stories to life. It’s a heartfelt glimpse into Patsy’s world—her independence, resilience, and legacy. Join us as we step back in time and hear the voice of someone who knew Patsy best, sharing a perspective you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned and let us know in the comments if Patsy’s story inspires any memories of your family’s driving tales! 🚘 #IpswichHistory #DrivingStories #MuseumCollections

In a surprising twist, Magic the Elf wows the judges with incredible tricks! ✨ Santa is still on the fence, but Mrs Claus presses Rudolph’s Ruby Buzzer to put her through! The twist? Magic was actually Pumpning the Elf in disguise! Will the judges let her stay? Find out at the grand final of the Elf Factor, happening live at our Meet Father Christmas event! Be part of the excitement as Santa’s new Elite Elf is chosen – a festive finale you won’t want to miss! 🎟️ Secure your tickets for the event: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meetfatherchristmas

This week’s Elf Factor brings some serious noise! Basil the Elf takes to the stage with a metal rendition of "Rudolph the Devil's Reindeer," hoping his guitar skills will win a spot. 🎸🤘 But will this be his year? The competition is heating up, and only the best will make it to the grand final at our Meet Father Christmas event. 🎄✨ 🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to meet Santa and cast your vote in the final: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meetfatherchristmas #ElfFactor #BadBasil #RudolphTheDevilsReindeer #MeetFatherChristmas

Celebrating 30 Years of Changing Lives with National Lottery Good Causes! Thanks to National Lottery players, Ipswich Museum is being transformed for future generations. From inspiring exhibitions to reimagined spaces, their support has been a game-changer for our community. 🎂 Happy Birthday to The National Lottery! #NationalLottery30 #HeritageFund #ChangingLives

Episode 3 is here! Rose Pink Sparkles the Elf brings animal impressions to the Elf Factor stage, hoping to charm her way onto Santa’s team! Mrs Claus and Frosty aren’t impressed, but will Santa hit Rudolph’s Ruby Buzzer to put her through? 🎅✨ Only the best will make it to the live final at our Meet Father Christmas event – join us to see who wins! 🎟️ Get your tickets today and help choose Santa's next Elite Elf: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meetfatherchristmas/ #ElfFactor #RosePinkSparkles #SqueakSqueak #MeetFatherChristmas

It’s round two of the Elf Factor, and things are… popping! 🎈 Pumpning the Elf tries her best at making balloon animals, but her creations aren’t quite what anyone expected! Frosty and Mrs Claus aren’t convinced, but Pumpning vows to make it on the team somehow! Will she be back? Catch each new audition and get ready for the live finale at our Meet Father Christmas event. 🎅🎄 🎟️ Tickets are going fast! Book now to see who Santa picks for his Elite Elf Team: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meetfatherchristmas

The free Art&Design Saturday Club at Suffolk New College has opened applications to local 13–16 year olds to join its upcoming programme. Joining the National Saturday Club is a chance to learn new skills, discover talents, and explore future pathways. Find out more: saturday-club.org

🎅 Welcome to the Elf Factor! Father Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and Mrs Claus are on the lookout for Santa's newest Elite Elf. First up: Tiny the Elf! He’s giving it his all, but his "Jingle Bells" is, well... memorable! Will he make the cut? ❄️🎶 Tune in throughout the month for more antics and talent (or lack thereof!) as our elves compete for a spot on Santa’s team. 📅 Don’t miss the grand finale at Christchurch Mansion’s Meet Father Christmas event! 🎟️ Grab your tickets to be part of the live finale: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meetfatherchristmas

At their local National Saturday Club 13–16 year olds can discover their talents, learn new skills, gain insight into careers, grow in confidence, build friendships and explore subjects they love – all for free with no exams! Applications are open for our local Film&Screen Saturday Club at Suffolk New College: saturday-club.org/join

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