Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery is currently closed to visitors but our work continues...
We are maintaining our involvement within the local community by working in partnership with other organisations, such as Brecon Library and Theatr Brycheiniog. Find details of forthcoming events involving Brecknock Museum here.
Our Education Service to schools continues to be available on an outreach basis. We are also working in partnership with other organisations, such as Brecon Library and Theatr Brycheiniog, to offer events, exhibitions and family activities.
Whilst the Museum is closed, restricted access to the collections means that we can only provide a limited public enquiry service, accessible via the Museum phone line or the internet / email system. Please note that it is essential to make an appointment before visiting. We will do our best to maintain our standards, but please be patient.
About the Museum
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery is funded by and administered by Powys County Council and occupies an historical Grade 2* listed building, the old Shire Hall, at the heart of the town of Brecon. One of the finest small museums in Wales, it was first established in 1928 by the Brecknock Society and moved from its previous home in a nearby former chapel to its current location in 1974.
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery offers a fascinating glimpse of the rich and varied past of Breconshire, an outstandingly beautiful area of the country. Its exhibition programme is exciting, varied and often features the work of Welsh contemporary artists.
Brecknock Museum Lottery Bid - April 2011
News that Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery has been awarded a £141,200 development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), to work towards the £1.9m Connecting Communities and Collections project, has been welcomed by Powys County Council.
The project aims to increase public access to and awareness of the Brecknock Museum collections, generating knowledge of and engagement with the history and cultural heritage of Brecknockshire.
If successful it will help restore and conserve the fabric and structure of the original 1842 shire hall and assize court and allow the development of a permanent art gallery, improved storage facilities, management and administration spaces and level public access for all, as well as the complete re-display and re-interpretation of its collections.
- Brecknock Museum as it is today
- Brecknock Museum after restoration
The assize court display will be adapted to enable visitors to participate in the reconstructed court room and the original cells will be restored and opened up to visitors for the first time.
Nigel Blackamore, Museum Curator added: “Our partners, stakeholders and colleagues have worked tirelessly to produce a project which has impressed the Heritage Lottery Fund at round one and our thanks go out to all those who have played a part so far. This first round pass gives us the opportunity to fine tune our plans and it will provide a much needed boost to the local community.”
Dan Clayton Jones, Chair of HLF in Wales, said: “Brecknock Museum holds the largest collection in Powys including important material related to the archaeological and social history of mid-Wales, all housed within the Grade 11* former Shire Hall. The project will ensure that the collection and building are saved for the benefit of future generations to enjoy and will provide a wide range of opportunities for people to get actively involved through education programmes, training and volunteering.
“As such we recognise the potential this project has to benefit the local community and have awarded a development grant to help the museum progress plans and get this project off the ground. ”
BBC History of the World in 100 Objects
'A History of the World in 100 Objects' is a unique public-service partnership between The British Museum, the BBC, and museums across the country.
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery has uploaded images from its own collection. Visitors to the website can view the objects and read information about them.
Contact Details
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery
Captain's Walk
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7DS
Tel: 01874 624121 Fax: 01874 614046
e-mail: brecknock.museum@powys.gov.uk
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery Opening Times
Contact hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
