Museum of Norwich Review

The Museum of Norwich is located in the heart of the city of Norwich in Norfolk, England. This 2 floor museum is dedicated to the different industries that have been in Norwich from medieval times to the present day. It also gives stories of the people that lived and worked in the city.

As you enter the museum, you firstly enter the gift shop where you purchase your tickets. From here you can enter the museum. As you explore the museum you will get an insight into the history of the city and the rich heritage in the industry that brought people here from all over the world. The museum is in sections, and is easy to explore and go back and look at things. The first part of the museum tells us about the civic and political life in the city with many displays behind the large glass window.

The museum focuses very much on the industry that was coming from Norwich, with displays from shoemakers and the textile industry that was in Norwich, along with hat makers and the 19th century hand loom which has been restored. What I personally found fascinating was the early 20th century recreation of a pharmacy shop. This is a whole room which has made to look like a pharmacy from years ago. I felt like I was stepping back in time when I walked into this room. As you can see from the images below, the room is jam packed with exhibits and things to look at. There are also exhibits and displays informing you about the shopping and trading in the city and the people that visited. Norwich is widely known for producing chocolate and the connections it had with Colemans mustard, so this is also highlighted in the museum.

There are stories of people who lived and worked in the city and personal stories from people that lived in Norwich. What I particularly liked is that there are telephones located throughout the museum which you can pick up. By pressing a number on the phone pad, you can listen to stories and information about the exhibits and people that are on display. I found this particularly useful if I wanted to find out more about something.

There is also the undercroft, which is located under the museum. I didn't see this though as this is guided tours only. But saying that, I did spend a good hour and a half in the museum. There are many interactive things in the museum where people and children can dress up in medieval clothing, for instance. These things are always good for engaging people, I think.

There are 2 floors to the museum which are easily accessible. There is disabled access throughout the museum. There is a toilet and baby changing room on the ground floor of the museum, and guide dogs/assistance dogs are allowed also. Visitors will also find it interesting to find out about the history of the building in the gallery named 'The Story of the Bridewell.' There is also a small courtyard if you want to take a rest. A bit of interesting information, if you keep hold of your ticket, you are free to leave the museum and go back at any time that same day.

At the time of writing this review, the admission price is as follows:

• Adults: £6.20
• Concessions: £5.90
• Child (4-18): £5.30
• Family ticket (2 adults & all children): - £21.80
• Family ticket (1 adult & all children): £16.35
• Twilight ticket (1 hour before closing): £2

The museum is open all year round from Tuesday - Friday from 10am - 4pm.

Address

Museum of Norwich at The Bridwell, Bridewell Alley, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1AQ, England

This is the first time I have visited this museum, and really enjoyed it. I found it fascinating learning about the lovely city of Norwich and the history to it. I knew Norwich is rich is history, but didn't know much about the industrial side to it and the amount of business that was there. There are so many exhibits and artefacts to look at and explore, you really do need a good couple of hours in here to take it all in. Although as I say, I spent about an hour and a half in here. The museum is easy to get around.

I like the fact that a lot of it is interactive too and you can listen to information about a lot of the exhibits through the telephones on the walls. I also found it interesting reading personal stories about people who came to Norwich on business or lived and worked here. If you are ever in the Norwich area, I would highly recommend a visit to this lovely museum. It's great for kids and adults, and will find it highly informative.

Note: On the map below, the museum is marked as the Bridewell Museum.