New galleries are set to open at Corinium Museum in Cirencester on Saturday.
The award-winning museum, renowned for its Roman Cirencester collections and exhibits, is travelling further back in time and launching ‘Stone Age to Corinium’ galleries.
Amanda Hart, museum director said: “Corinium Museum has a new beginning! Wow!
"This truly marks the fruition of six years of sheer hard work, and over £1.87 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund money, donations and sponsorships.
"I have lived and breathed this project, from the initial idea, through seeking support, and to now be able to launch – it’s fantastic news!
"I had a vision to ensure the museum is in the best possible place - to be an award-winning attraction, a community hub and centre for learning, and to help drive the economic development of the area.
"Our summer launch plans had to be put on hold but I am now delighted that my team and I are forging ahead with the opening of Stone Age to Corinium.
"And now it’s time for everyone to come and see this remarkable collection.”
Over 600 fascinating objects and artefacts charting early Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age through to early Roman times, are now exhibited in modern, airy and interactive galleries.
Amanda added: “It’s quite incredible to be able to tell the story of archaeology in the Cotswolds from the Stone Age through to early Corinium – Roman Cirencester.
"That’s hundreds of thousands of years of Cotswold history in our stunning new gallery space.”
Cllr Jenny Forde, Cotswold District Council added: “We are right behind Amanda and her team’s vision to ensure Corinium Museum is the very best in its field.
"Supporting this project throughout a pandemic has made us all realise how important our heritage and history is to our sense of community and place.
"The museum looks fantastic and the new galleries are stunning, I'm so excited for people to see the end result!”
The galleries will open to the public at 10am tomorrow, pre-booking required.
An online premiere film launch with an introduction by actor Ben Miller can be viewed tonight at 7pm via https://coriniummuseum.org/new-stone-age-to-corinium-galleries-to-open/
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