The Second World War, Barnsley's Story

From 1939 to 1945 Barnsley was deeply affected by the impact of war. The mines provided fuel, factories made equipment and munitions, people lived with blackouts, air raids and the rationing of everyday essentials.

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies collects, preserves and makes available the documentary heritage of the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley.

Learning

Our museums give children of all ages the opportunity to discover new things and feel inspired. Young people like museum visits as they help improve relationships with classmates and teachers, giving them the chance to get to know each other better in a unique environment.

Barnsley Museums online shop

Take a look at the Barnsley Museums online shop. You will find lots of unique gift ideas many with a Barnsley theme. You can also purchase tickets to many of our wonderful events.

Experience Barnsley Museum & Discovery Centre

Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre is dedicated to the history and people of the borough.  It is an inspiring place for all the family to visit.  There is lots of fun to be had in the interactive galleries and the Discovery Centre holds priceless treasures.

Events & Exhibitions

Collections

Latest News

Relaxed openings at Experience Barnsley and The Cooper Gallery

As part of Barnsley Museums’ review of accessibility, they will be trialling relaxed openings at their two town centre attractions; Experience Barnsley and The Cooper Gallery. The relaxed openings, which are free, will take place on the first Tuesday and last Saturday throughout January, February and March 2020.

Experience Barnsley

Remembering the Second World War through the eyes of Barnsley folk

Opening at Experience Barnsley on Saturday, 12 October is a fascinating, thought provoking and inspirational exhibition - ‘The Second World War, Barnsley's Story’. Telling remarkable stories of the experiences of people across the borough through the turbulent war years of 1939 to 1945, the exhibition features objects, images and archives including a wartime wedding dress, objects from the Pogmoor plane crash, a baby’s gas mask, a Spitfire Fund recipe book, WAAF jacket, wartime mining kit and parachute silk underwear. Accompanying these objects are individual stories of living, working and surviving in wartime Barnsley – stories of bravery, resourcefulness, love and hardship.

Experience Barnsley

The internationally famous Caravan Gallery shines a spotlight on Wombwell

Barnsley Museums have invited artists and photographers Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale to bring their unique mobile gallery to the streets of Wombwell. Their bright yellow caravan - a lovingly reincarnated1969 Bluebird Europe - will make its Wombwell debut on the High Street next to Gabby’s Florists on Saturday 14 September during the Heritage Open Day weekend. Further market day appearances will follow over the course of a month.

Experience Barnsley