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.

Are you looking to enrich your curriculum with more diverse, inclusive perspectives? Join us for a free professional dev...
22/01/2025

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 at Christchurch Mansion this Saturday from 2pm - 3.30pm for the launch of Suffolk Creatives. The project showcas...
21/01/2025

Join us at Christchurch Mansion this Saturday from 2pm - 3.30pm for the launch of Suffolk Creatives. The project showcases portraits of female creators across Suffolk, spanning poets, painters, and saddle makers. The new photos have been recently added to the An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson exhibition.

We will be joined at the event by renowned photographer John Ferguson himself, providing a unique opportunity to meet John and ask questions.

Find out more: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/suffolk-creatives/

For many spectators, race day is not just about watching the cars crash and burn; it's about community, tradition, and t...
21/01/2025

For many spectators, race day is not just about watching the cars crash and burn; it's about community, tradition, and the thrill of the chase. These fans often become participants, drawn by the raw energy and camaraderie on the muddy tracks.

Whether they're behind the wheel or cheering from the sidelines, the spirit of competition and unity lights up the air, making each race a memorable event. Got a great snap from a local sporting event? Compare your work with those in our exhibition: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/an-eye-for-life

This charming 19th-century painting by Edward Robert Smythe celebrates the timeless bond between humans and their four-l...
20/01/2025

This charming 19th-century painting by Edward Robert Smythe celebrates the timeless bond between humans and their four-legged friends. These hounds, painted with such care and personality, remind us how much dogs have been part of our lives for centuries. 🐕

Now we want to see YOUR furry friends! Share a photo of your dog in the comments—bonus points if they’re posing in front of Christchurch Mansion! 📸 Whether they’re snoozing like the pups in the painting or showing off their best pose, we’d love to see them.

Recognise these? Quern stones may not look like much at first glance, but these humble tools were essential to daily lif...
19/01/2025

Recognise these? Quern stones may not look like much at first glance, but these humble tools were essential to daily life for thousands of years. They tell the story of how people turned raw grains into flour—a process that sustained communities from prehistory through the medieval period.

Quern stones in the Ipswich area reflect the region’s rich agricultural history. Whether from the Iron Age, Roman period, or Anglo-Saxon times, they offer insight into the everyday lives of those who lived here. The development of quern stones—from simple saddle querns to more efficient rotary querns—shows how technological innovations shaped daily life and food production.

While modern machinery has replaced quern stones, they remind us of our ancestors' ingenuity and hard work. Next time you enjoy a loaf of bread, take a moment to appreciate the grinding stones that made it possible for people to thrive long before the industrial age. 🥖

Did you know that fragments of Samian ware—the elegant red-gloss pottery of the Roman Empire—have been discovered in the...
18/01/2025

Did you know that fragments of Samian ware—the elegant red-gloss pottery of the Roman Empire—have been discovered in the Ipswich area? 🏺 These finds connect us to a time when the region was part of a vast and bustling Roman world.

Samian ware, also known as terra sigillata, was highly prized in Roman households for its beautiful glossy finish and intricate designs. Often imported from Gaul (modern-day France), it was used for dining and sometimes carried decorative motifs like animals, mythical creatures, and even scenes from daily life. While it was primarily used for serving food, it also symbolised status and sophistication—like having fine china today!

The pieces found locally are likely linked to Roman settlement and trade routes, showing that Ipswich has been connected to far-flung places for thousands of years. Imagine a Roman family sitting down for a meal right here in East Anglia, with Samian ware adorning their table! 🍴

What do you think people 2,000 years ago might have served in these elegant dishes? Let us know in the comments!

Imagine holding a piece of history that once passed through the hands of Roman citizens nearly 2,000 years ago. 🪙 In the...
17/01/2025

Imagine holding a piece of history that once passed through the hands of Roman citizens nearly 2,000 years ago. 🪙 In the Ipswich area, we’ve uncovered remarkable Roman denarii, silver coins that offer a direct connection to the Roman Empire and its powerful rulers.

Denarii weren’t just currency; they were propaganda tools, showcasing emperors' faces to reinforce their authority across the vast empire. Our collection includes coins bearing the likenesses of some of Rome’s most famous leaders, each with their own story to tell.

These coins hint at the region’s connection to Roman trade, governance, and everyday life. They were likely used to pay for goods, services, or even taxes, serving as both practical tools and symbolic reminders of the empire's far-reaching influence.

Start Your Engines! 🏁 Swerve into the adrenaline-packed world of Ipswich Banger Racing through John Ferguson's lens. Thi...
16/01/2025

Start Your Engines! 🏁 Swerve into the adrenaline-packed world of Ipswich Banger Racing through John Ferguson's lens. This series captures the exhilarating and raw spirit of sport in Suffolk. Each moment conveys a narrative of fervour and thrill, from the thunderous roar of engines to the close-knit community ties.

Experiencing the thrill of motorsports firsthand at a banger racing event is exhilarating. Race into John's work that encapsulates the essence of banger racing and its fans. Discover more at our exhibition, An Eye for Life: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/an-eye-for-life

Amazing Animals will be back this February half term! Come and learn about some cute and fluffy animals, with opportunit...
14/01/2025

Amazing Animals will be back this February half term! Come and learn about some cute and fluffy animals, with opportunities to touch and hold them. 🦔

Booking for this event in advance is required. Get tickets: https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/amazing-animals/

Anglo-Saxon brooches are more than just accessories—they’re windows into a rich cultural and artistic tradition that flo...
14/01/2025

Anglo-Saxon brooches are more than just accessories—they’re windows into a rich cultural and artistic tradition that flourished over a thousand years ago. The brooches in our collection tell the story of how art, function, and personal expression came together in everyday Anglo-Saxon life.

Brooches were essential clothing for the Anglo-Saxons, used to fasten garments and display wealth, status, and identity. Made from materials like copper alloy, silver, and occasionally gold, these pieces often featured intricate patterns, symbolic motifs, and stunning craftsmanship. The designs ranged from simple disc brooches to highly decorative cruciform, square-headed, and great square-headed brooches, each style reflecting a particular time period or region.

One of the most iconic styles is the circular "saucer brooch", which was often decorated with bold geometric designs. Women typically wore these to fasten cloaks or dresses at the shoulder. As time progressed, styles became even more elaborate, incorporating animal motifs and interlaced patterns during the later Anglo-Saxon period.

These brooches were often buried with their owners, as Anglo-Saxons believed in equipping the dead for the afterlife. Archaeologists have discovered many brooches in burial sites across England, including the East Anglia region, providing valuable insights into the social and cultural practices of the time.

📣 Calling all Ipswich Museums visitors! Help us break barriers to accessibility by taking part in the Access Culture sur...
13/01/2025

📣 Calling all Ipswich Museums visitors! Help us break barriers to accessibility by taking part in the Access Culture survey. Your insights can help make our museums and others across the UK more inclusive.

💷 Complete the survey and enter to win £100 in vouchers!
🕒 Deadline: Monday 3 February
🔗 https://www.research.net/r/HQV3LC2

Thanks to support from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we're uncovering the stories behind some of Ipswich’s old...
11/01/2025

Thanks to support from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we're uncovering the stories behind some of Ipswich’s oldest treasures for Day!

One of our conservation specialists has been hard at work cleaning these incredible 16th-century carved heads, originally part of Ipswich’s Market Cross. While the Market Cross itself was demolished in 1812, these unique carvings were saved and preserved for future generations.

Each head is thought to represent an individual from the town, though sadly, their identities have been lost to time. These remarkable carvings offer a rare glimpse into the faces of Ipswich’s past—an irreplaceable piece of our shared heritage.

As part of our Ipswich Museum renovation project, funded by the Heritage Fund, these carvings are being conserved and studied to ensure they can be enjoyed for years to come.

💬 What stories do you think these faces could tell?

Did you know that in Ancient Egypt, canopic jars played a crucial role in the mummification process? The jars in our col...
10/01/2025

Did you know that in Ancient Egypt, canopic jars played a crucial role in the mummification process? The jars in our collection, shown here, include some stunning examples of canopic jars. 🏺

These fascinating objects were used to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased, which were carefully removed during mummification. Each jar was dedicated to one of the Four Sons of Horus, deities who protected the organs.

The lids of the jars often featured the heads of deities, each with a specific role: Imsety, with a human head, protected the liver; Hapy, with a baboon head, safeguarded the lungs; Duamutef, with a jackal head, watched over the stomach; and Qebehsenuef, with a falcon head, protected the intestines.

The Ancient Egyptians believed the organs were essential for the soul's journey into the afterlife. The Sons of Horus, including Imsety and Qebehsenuef, were thought to guard these organs and protect the deceased from spiritual and physical harm as they entered the afterlife.

Join us at Christchurch Mansion this February half term for animal-themed fun! 🐇 Come and meet some cute and fluffy mam...
09/01/2025

Join us at Christchurch Mansion this February half term for animal-themed fun! 🐇

Come and meet some cute and fluffy mammals at our interactive Amazing Animals event, practice your art skills at a Drawing Day, and make an eco-friendly footprint tunnel for identifying mammal footprints in your own garden. You can also join Woolly on a new trail!

Plus, come along to our FREE Museum Discovery Day to meet experts, learn about Ipswich Museum's mammal collections, and bring your little ones to a Mini-Mammals zone.

Find out more: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

Last Chance for Students in Years 10-12! ⏰Are you passionate about museums and heritage? This is your final opportunity ...
09/01/2025

Last Chance for Students in Years 10-12! ⏰

Are you passionate about museums and heritage? This is your final opportunity to apply for our unique week-long work experience! Discover the exciting roles that bring a museum to life, from curating exhibits to conservation work. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens in the world of museums.

📅 Applications close TOMORROW, 10th January 2025
🔗 ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/work-experience

Don't miss out – apply now!

These exuberant scenes from the 'Forgotten Cowboys' series by John Ferguson capture more than just moments; they spotlig...
08/01/2025

These exuberant scenes from the 'Forgotten Cowboys' series by John Ferguson capture more than just moments; they spotlight a culture and spirit often overlooked in mainstream narratives. John’s journey with the 'Forgotten Cowboys' has been one of profound personal and professional growth, reminding us of the power of visibility and recognition.

As he continues to explore and highlight diverse stories, he hopes to inspire others to appreciate and delve into the rich tapestry of cultures around them. What have you discovered lately that has opened your eyes to new perspectives? Perhaps it could be found in our exhibition: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/an-eye-for-life

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Ipswich
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Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
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Videos

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

In an epic showdown of the Creepy Doll Battle, Colchester Museums' Baby Frills has emerged as the champion, but the spirit of competition remains undaunted. Congratulations to Frills for her spooky victory, and a huge thank you to everyone who supported Marianne and helped make this eerie event a success! Watch the video, feel the thrill, and remember—every doll has its day! #CreepyDollBattle

Your local library is a hub for everything happening in your community 🏡 Here's why you should drop by: ☕️ Discover local events: Find out about all the exciting events and activities happening around you 🌱 Get involved: Learn about different ways you can contribute to and participate in your community 🌻 Spread the word: Have events, classes, or group activities you want people to know about? Let the library staff know, and they'll help promote them Next time you're near your local library, pop in to see what's happening nearby. For more information, visit the Suffolk Libraries UK website: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/events #SuffolkLibraries #WhatHappensInTheLibrary

Hey, parents and little ones! Have you considered going to the Suffolk Libraries UK for a fun and relaxing time? Their regular meetups are perfect for connecting with other parents while your children enjoy toys and books. You can look forward to: 🧸 A variety of toys and books for your little ones ☕️ Refreshments and great company for you They also have free WiFi and computers, course information, well-being advice, or a friendly chat with like-minded people. Curious about what's happening at your nearest library? Visit the Suffolk Libraries website for more info: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/events #SuffolkLibraries #WhatHappensInTheLibrary

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