Museums, galleries

Moot Hall, Elstow
photo: Nicola Avery

Bedford museums

  • The Higgins, Bedford (opens in a new window)
    Combines the former Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum. The social history and art collections together with specific exhibitions describe people and activities that have shaped Bedford.
  • John Bunyan Museum and Library (opens in a new window)
    The museum depicts John Bunyan’s life and aspects of Bedford in the 17th century. The library has over 2000 items about Bunyan and the history of non-conformity.
  • Moot Hall, Elstow (opens in new window)
    Displays furniture and items of 17th century daily life from Bunyan’s time. Very limited opening hours.
  • Panacea Museum and Archives, Bedford (opens in a new window)
    Unusual museum covering the history of Joanna Southcott and the Panacea Society and other 19th century prophetic movements.

Luton Museums

  • Stockwood Discovery Centre (opens in a new window)
    Includes a large collection of carriages and examples of historic garden styles.

Outside Bedfordshire

  • British Schools Museum, Hitchin (opens in a new window)
    This has items relating to the history of education, especially Joseph Lancaster’s methods introduced in the early 19th century. It occupies a restored 1837 British School building.
  • St Albans Museums (opens in a new window)
    The social history collection aims to represent all aspects of life in the district including strawplaiting. Its collections  may be searched online (opens in a new window).
This page was added on 30/05/2015.

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