Something wonderful is about to happen at Pontefract Museum

Pontefract Museum is about to receive over £50K of investment to redevelop some of the displays. Since 2015 Pontefract Museum has undergone a programme of gallery development worth a total of £119,700.

A model of what the new displays will look like

The new displays will tell the story of Pontefract from the Georgian period up to the present day.  The ballot box used in the first secret ballot to elect an MP in 1872 will take a prominent position, with a new comic book style interpretation.  More display space will be created alongside interactive and family friendly elements.

One of the boxes used in the first secret ballot to elect an MP in 1872

Cllr Jacquie Speight, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport,  said “Pontefract Museum has a fascinating story to tell.  The museum is filled with some amazing and special objects, the new displays will make these objects and stories more accessible to visitors.  With investment also taking place at the Castle, Pontefract has so much to offer visitors.”

This project is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

The museum will close for the redevelopment work on Saturday 23 December 2017 and reopen in spring 2018.  Keep checking this blog or follow @WFMuseums for news and updates.

If you still want a day out in Pontefract why not visit Pontefract Castle with its wonderful new visitor centre and Liquorice Café.

Pontefract Castle Visitor Centre