Guildford Museum Reopens With End Of Second World War Exhibition

Published on: 3 Aug, 2020
Updated on: 5 Aug, 2020

Guildford Museum has reopened after being closed for a year for essential repairs to the building on Quarry Street.

These, the museum list as: structural repairs, damp proofing, roof repairs, redecoration, a new fire alarm, an upgraded visitor point and toilet, and an improved back of house space for preparing exhibitions.

Air Raid Precaution items as part of the exhibition Commemoration and Celebration at Guildford Museum.

The free to visit museum has a new temporary exhibition, Commemoration and Celebration, to commemorate Guildford’s experience of VE Day (May 8, 1945) and marking the 75th anniversary since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

This cabinet focuses on the Home Guard in Guildford.

The display (some of which was first made available on Guildford Borough Council’s website), celebrates both military and civilian heroes. It will remain on display to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day (August 15), when, in 1945, Imperial Japan surrendered, effectively bringing the Second World War to an end.

Part of the exhibition tells stories about women’s contribution to the war effort and their wartime experiences.

Objects and photographs are on display from the museum’s own collection, supplemented by items from local historians David Rose, Carol Brown, Marion May, the Surrey Infantry Museum and others.

There is an impressive portrait on loan from the Guildhall of the Queen’s Regiment Parade before the Mayor of Guildford. It was painted from a photograph taken of the event in 1945.

At present, only the main gallery and pre history and Roman sections are open to visitors. The museum expects further displays will be reinstalled and open in the autumn.

Measurers to ensure safe distancing are in place at Guildford Museum. You will be greeted outside and asked for your contact details. These can also be given by using a mobile phone with a QR code reader. Inside there is signage to guide you around the building. Staff are wearing masks. And you may like to take part in a survey for you thoughts on the future of the museum and its plans.

The current opening days and hours for Guildford Museum are Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 4.30pm, last entry 4pm

More details can be found here.