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.
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.
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.
Historic plans relating to Barnsley’s iconic Town Hall have recently undergone vital conservation work. After almost 90 years, the original blueprints were in need of specialist restoration work to ensure that they will survive for future generations to use and enjoy.
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.
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.