National Trust to reopen three Ironbridge museums, including Blists Hill: Here's when

The National Trust has confirmed dates for the reopening of three Ironbridge museum sites - including Blists Hill Victorian Town.

The heritage guardian said that the trio would be open in time to welcome May half term visitors, with a phased opening of all the other sites planned for the coming months.

The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Furnace Kitchen will reopen first on Wednesday, May 20, with Blists Hill Victorian Town set to open on Thursday, May 21.

This news comes following the landmark transfer of Ironbridge Gorge’s 10 museums, 35 listed buildings and 400,000 collection items in March, one of the largest acquisitions the National Trust has undertaken in its 130-year history.

Ahead of the opening the conservation charity spoke of its pride at being asked to look after a collection of sites with World Heritage Site status.

The historic venues spent 60 years under the care of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) before the transfer was announced last autumn, and completed earlier this year.

The landmark move comes after a difficult period for the heritage sector and has been funded by investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, as well as support from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Mark Agnew, Project Director for the National Trust at Ironbridge Gorge, said: “We’re delighted to be able to share, that after a huge amount of work behind the scenes, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Furnace Kitchen will be reopening on Wednesday 20 May with Blists Hill, the following day, on Thursday 21 May.

“We know that everyone who loves Ironbridge Gorge will be happy to hear this news and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.

“Blists Hill, and the chance to step into the sights, sounds and stories of Victorian life in the Gorge, is loved by so many people both locally and across the country, so we’ve worked hard get it open in time for half-term.

“Over the coming months, we’ll continue to develop the experience, reintroducing popular activities and demonstrations, while also introducing new ones shaped by visitor feedback. This is just the start of a long-term vision and we are excited for what the future holds.”

The National Trust said that initially, all visits to Blists Hill Victorian Town will need to be booked.

It said that it hopes that as soon as work has finished to install improved fibre optic connectivity, visitors will no longer need to book.

Bookings can be made from 9am today - Friday, May 15, via the National Trust website.

The National Trust’s more than five million members will also need to book in the short-term but will be able to access all of the Ironbridge Gorge museums for free, as part of their membership.

Claire Tafft, National Trust Project Manager for Visitor Engagement at Ironbridge Gorge said: “The Victorian shops and cottages have all had a spring clean and the costumes are all pressed ready for the storytellers and craftspeople to share what everyday life was like in industrial towns like Blists Hill.

“Returning visitors will find that some things feel familiar, such as the ever-popular pub and chip shop, as well as familiar faces such as Constable Jarrett keeping everything in order.

“Visitors can look forward to lessons in the Board Schoolroom, the chance to dress up as a Victorian in the Photography Studio and explore the Madeley Wood Outdoor Play Area.

“Some well-loved experiences, including horse-drawn carriage rides, steam exhibits and forge demonstrations, are expected to return in the coming months, when we’ve worked through these more complex elements.

“As a living, evolving town, Blists Hill will continue to be re-opened and restored over time. We appreciate everyone’s support as we begin this new chapter, and we look forward to sharing what’s still to come.”

Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Furnace Kitchen will reopen on Wednesday, May 20, with car parking set to be free for visitors.

The Furnace Kitchen will also be opening seven days-a-week throughout the year from 9am.

After the first phase of reopening, the Ironbridge Gorge National Trust team will be working to reopen Jackfield Tile Museum and Enginuity to schools in June, with bookable visits to the Tile Museum at the weekends for other visitors.

The Iron Bridge Toll House is also expected to open in mid-June with all the remaining Ironbridge Gorge sites, including the Museum of the Gorge, to follow in a phased approach over the rest of the year.

Mr Agnew added: “Our goal is to grow the number of people that visit these wonderful sites, tackle the barriers that often prevent people from engaging with heritage, and continue to deepen the strong appeal for families, through events, programming and storytelling, that bring the Gorge’s unique history to life.

“In this first year, we want to hear from everyone who has an interest in this hugely significant place and there will be plenty of opportunity for conversation. This will help us to not only secure the future of Ironbridge Gorge but also to help us develop the overall visiting experience.

“We are already listening, and following feedback, we are pleased to be making car-parking free for visitors to Blists Hill and the Coalbrookdale sites.

“Our overarching aim is to get Ironbridge Gorge into a sustainable financial condition and to do this we need people to visit and support us on this journey.”

Information on the first phase of reopening and planning visits is available online.