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.

The museum team is on tour! While Ipswich Museum is having a makeover, we’re keeping busy in the community.Last month, L...
12/04/2025

The museum team is on tour! While Ipswich Museum is having a makeover, we’re keeping busy in the community.

Last month, Lynette and Alison headed to The Power of Libraries event at the Riverside Centre in Stratford St Andrew—hosted by the lovely Suffolk Libraries UK team. It was a great day for sharing ideas, chatting with other organisations, and championing the power of learning and curiosity (our favourite things!).

Thanks for having us—and see you at the next one?

Ever wondered why we have an Anglesea Road here in town?Named for the flamboyant 1st Marquis of Anglesey, second-in-comm...
11/04/2025

Ever wondered why we have an Anglesea Road here in town?

Named for the flamboyant 1st Marquis of Anglesey, second-in-command at Waterloo and infamous eloper with Wellington’s sister-in-law, the road takes its name from a man who left both military and romantic footprints in history. (Or possibly from his son, who helped lead the Charge of the Light Brigade. History doesn’t always agree.)

Before it bore their name, the route was known as Dairy Lane and, in the 17th century, as Peddar’s Lane, a peaceful walk lined with hedgerows and pollarded oaks.

By 1835, that rural lane became home to the East Suffolk & Ipswich Hospital. These 1987 photographs show the hospital before later redevelopments, capturing a building full of character, history and quiet strength.

Time to reveal the answer to our challenge!Our mystery photo showed the corner of Woodbridge Road and St Margaret’s St...
10/04/2025

Time to reveal the answer to our challenge!

Our mystery photo showed the corner of Woodbridge Road and St Margaret’s Street, just before the traffic lights. The black-and-white photo captured the Union Assurance Society building in all its half-timbered glory. It's got the same impressive facade, but a whole different vibe on the road.

How many of you got it right?

It's time! This striking timber-framed building stood proudly on a corner that many of you might pass every day withou...
10/04/2025

It's time! This striking timber-framed building stood proudly on a corner that many of you might pass every day without a second glance. But back when this photo was taken, it was home to the Union Assurance Society Ltd — and the street looked quite different.

Can you guess where in Ipswich this was taken? We’ll reveal the modern-day view at 1!

We’ve had a few reports of people reselling tickets to our Easter events. Some are genuine—but others are scams, even fo...
09/04/2025

We’ve had a few reports of people reselling tickets to our Easter events. Some are genuine—but others are scams, even for events that are actually free.

To avoid being caught out, please book directly through our website or contact us first. We often still have spaces available.

If an event is sold out, and you’re thinking of buying a ticket from someone else, please check it’s real before sending money.

We want all our guests to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

EDIT: Please see the spam comments below if you aren't certain what we mean. 🙃

Wrapping up our Suffolk Wildlife Trust series, we celebrate the staff's commitment to nurturing and protecting our natur...
09/04/2025

Wrapping up our Suffolk Wildlife Trust series, we celebrate the staff's commitment to nurturing and protecting our natural environments. Each day, they ensure the health of diverse ecosystems, contributing significantly to conservation and our community.

Let's show our appreciation for their hard work! You can support these heroes by getting involved in local conservation projects and visiting the Eye for Life exhibition to witness the inspiring stories captured by John Ferguson: buff.ly/9rhckQ2

A brand new free resource is now available to support the Eye for Life exhibition at Christchurch Mansion! Whether you'r...
08/04/2025

A brand new free resource is now available to support the Eye for Life exhibition at Christchurch Mansion! Whether you're exploring the science of sight, the power of observation or the fascinating lives of the people featured in the exhibition, this pack is bursting with ideas and activities to bring learning to life. Perfect for KS2 and KS3, it can be used before, during or after a visit.

🖼️ Eye for Life runs until 27 April, so don’t miss your chance to explore this remarkable collaboration with Rock Paper Scissors. Download the resource now and get inspired: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/learn/teacherresources/

🌼 Step into spring at Christchurch Mansion this Easter!From crafty makes and trails to a full-on Anglo-Saxon discovery d...
07/04/2025

🌼 Step into spring at Christchurch Mansion this Easter!

From crafty makes and trails to a full-on Anglo-Saxon discovery day, there’s plenty to keep curious minds and busy hands entertained. 🐣 Can you crack Woolly’s egg trail? Fancy shaping your own clay pot like the Anglo-Saxons?

There’s something new to explore every time you visit.

🎟️ Full details and booking at ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events

This striking silver pendant, found near Wickham Market, was made by Viking hands over a thousand years ago. It shows a ...
07/04/2025

This striking silver pendant, found near Wickham Market, was made by Viking hands over a thousand years ago. It shows a human figure—possibly a warrior or a Valkyrie—holding a shield and upright sword, carved with care and purpose.

Tiny yet powerful, it was worn suspended by a pierced lug on the back—either on a chain or sewn into clothing. A protective symbol, a story in silver, and a beautiful glimpse into Norse belief and identity.

These pencil sketches may look modest, but they capture the faces—and the quiet defiance—of Ipswich in the early 19th ce...
06/04/2025

These pencil sketches may look modest, but they capture the faces—and the quiet defiance—of Ipswich in the early 19th century.

Drawn by Samuel Read in 1837, this page from his Eighty Ipswich Portraits sketchbook introduces three men whose lives tell a story of civic grit, radical politics, and local journalism. At the top, James White: a boot and shoe maker from St Margaret’s parish who rose to become a Dock Commissioner and outspoken critic of the poor conditions in the Union House. He wasn’t just a craftsman—he was a radical voice for reform.

On the right is John King, son of the man who founded the Suffolk Chronicle to offer a Whig counterpoint to the conservative Ipswich Journal. After his father’s death in 1831, the younger King carried the torch of liberal printing through the family press, King and Garrord.

And below them, James Hervey, a full-time reporter for the Chronicle—the kind of man who spent his days gathering stories, court news, and local goings-on for a growing newspaper audience hungry for change and debate.

This sketchbook was reprinted in 1980 thanks to John Blatchly, and this particular edition—number 2 of 100—was acquired by the Friends of the Ipswich Museums FOIM. It’s a rare and tender window into the personalities who shaped local life, not as grand figures of empire, but as the everyday architects of progress.

Spring has arrived at Christchurch Mansion! Join in the fun this Easter. 🪺 From helping Woolly search high and low for h...
05/04/2025

Spring has arrived at Christchurch Mansion! Join in the fun this Easter. 🪺 From helping Woolly search high and low for hidden eggs to making your own miniature Anglo-Saxon-style clay pot, we have something for all the family!

Find out more and book your space at ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events

This beautifully preserved silver ring offers a glimpse into the world of medieval devotion. Dating from the 15th centur...
05/04/2025

This beautifully preserved silver ring offers a glimpse into the world of medieval devotion.

Dating from the 15th century, the ring’s rectangular bezel features an engraved image of St John the Evangelist, identifiable by his bearded face and the covered chalice he cradles in his left hand—an attribute often associated with the saint. With his right, he appears to bless the cup, capturing a quiet moment of spiritual symbolism in miniature.

Rings like this weren’t just decorative—they served as protective emblems, talismans, and tokens of belief. Worn close to the body, they helped carry the sacred into everyday life. Want to learn more? Visit our Online Collections: https://cim-web.adlibhosting.com/ais6/Details/collect/68643

Spring’s the perfect time to explore Christchurch Mansion, and what better way than with a free Peep into the Past tour?...
04/04/2025

Spring’s the perfect time to explore Christchurch Mansion, and what better way than with a free Peep into the Past tour? Join the Friends of the Ipswich Museums FOIM for a closer look at the families, collections and secrets of this beautiful Tudor home.

🕚 11am & 2pm weekends | 11am Tuesdays & Wednesdays
📍 In the heart of Ipswich’s parkland

No need to book — just turn up and step into history.

Get ready for a fantastic April at Christchurch Mansion! 🎨🐣🌿 Woolly’s Egg Trail – Can you find all the hidden eggs?🖌️ Ar...
04/04/2025

Get ready for a fantastic April at Christchurch Mansion! 🎨🐣

🌿 Woolly’s Egg Trail – Can you find all the hidden eggs?
🖌️ Artistic Egg Decorating – Design your own spring masterpiece.
⚱️ Make an Anglo-Saxon Pot – Create your own historical pottery.
🛡️ Anglo-Saxon Discovery Day – Explore the world of the Anglo-Saxons!

Some activities are free, find out more here: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events

Did you guess our location? This is the corner of Upper Brook Street and Tavern Street, photographed many years ago wh...
03/04/2025

Did you guess our location? This is the corner of Upper Brook Street and Tavern Street, photographed many years ago when the ground floor of this distinctive black-and-white building was undergoing work. Today, it’s home to the Yorkshire Building Society.

From timber-framed elegance to shopping high street favourite — this corner has seen it all.

Where in Ipswich are we this time for ? 👀 Take a close look at this photo — the timber-framed buildings, the curve of t...
03/04/2025

Where in Ipswich are we this time for ? 👀 Take a close look at this photo — the timber-framed buildings, the curve of the street, and the busy corner under renovation. Recognise it?

Give us your guesses and we’ll reveal the spot in a follow-up post at 1!

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust team consistently tackles the task of balancing wildlife requirements with environmental shif...
02/04/2025

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust team consistently tackles the task of balancing wildlife requirements with environmental shifts. They adapt habitats to lessen climate change effects and regulate human-wildlife relations, safeguarding our natural environments.

Discover the hurdles overcome in environmental and personal pursuits at the Eye for Life exhibition. Be inspired by John Ferguson's photography and explore the vital efforts to conserve our natural world: buff.ly/9rhckQ2

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

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Videos

We are thrilled to announce we will be hosting a FREE wedding fayre at Christchurch Mansion on Sunday 4th May 2025 between 11am-3pm 💍 If you're looking for a venue or planning your big day, come and visit us and our host of exciting vendors! Click here to find out more and book your ticket: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/wedding-fayre/

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

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