Swindon art gallery to open in new location with new name
It will now be known as the Museum and Art Swindon.
Swindon's collection of contemporary art and historical artefacts is expected to move into it's new home this Spring.
The town's nationally recognised collection is moving from Apsley House in Old Town to the Civic Offices, on Euclid Street, to allow the public better access to the Borough Council's selection of artwork and artefacts.
It's also getting a new name and will now be known as Museum and Art Swindon.
The new space is expected to provide an additional 40% of display space compared to Apsley House, as well as allowing staff better working conditions, including extra spaces for staff, volunteers and researchers.
This means the museum and art gallery's volunteer programme could soon be relaunched, while a space for schools learning will also be created, which will also be able to host events.
Local arts and culture groups joined the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, and Borough Council representatives to take a behind-the-scenes look at the new venue.
Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Swindon’s legendary collection of Modern British Art in the Council building, will be open to all.
“Sir Kenneth Clark, when chairman of the Arts Council, said ‘they take art seriously in Swindon’, and indeed they do.”
Linda Kasmaty, Chair of the Friends of Museum and Art Swindon, said: “It’s just fabulous to be here looking around the first floor of the Civic Offices.
“What we’ve got now looks fantastic. The team are very dedicated, they’re all obviously very enthusiastic and that’s amazing to have.
“It’s very beautiful, it ticks every box and it’s a great way to repurpose the building.
“It’s something to be proud of. People need museums and galleries to visit. Swindonians will be thrilled and the town can be very proud of it. It’ll be a destination for art lovers across the country.”