Latest News
Barnsley Museums to host exclusive exhibition celebrating Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt
12th February 2026
Barnsley Museums are thrilled to announce the launch of a truly unique exhibition this March. Step into the mesmerising world of ancient Egypt at the Experience Barnsley Museum, where Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt will open on Saturday 7 March 2026, running until … Continue reading
Know Your Neighbourhood Brushstrokes and Banter
This autumn, Wentworth Castle Gardens launched their latest phase of Know Your Neighbourhood. Brushstrokes and Banter is a project engaging vulnerable adults with multiple complex needs in partnership with BIADS Dementia Support group, NHS Stroke Recovery group, Weavers Court Sheltered Housing, Culture … Continue reading
Together at the Town Hall
Together at the Town Hall is a week-long community event bringing people together to enjoy activities, services and support in the heart of Barnsley. With a different theme each day, there’s something for all ages and interests. A key part of the week is … Continue reading
Share your views on Elsecar Heritage Centre
Elsecar Heritage Centre is a hugely important heritage site in Barnsley. We would like your views to help shape its future and to make Elsecar a vibrant place for everyone to enjoy. We want to create a long-term plan for Elsecar which recognises its unique history, alongside its place … Continue reading
New Faces of Barnsley exhibition to celebrate the people who make Barnsley special
Barnsley Council is proud to welcome everyone to the launch of Faces of Barnsley, a powerful new portrait exhibition opening Wednesday 18 February as part of the Together at the Town Hall event next week. The exhibition at Experience Barnsley … Continue reading
Essential repairs completed at Worsbrough Mill as new approach introduced to protect historic site
We’re pleased to announce that essential repairs to the mill shaft at Worsbrough Mill are now complete, marking an important milestone in safeguarding one of Barnsley’s treasured heritage sites for future generations. Following the works, a new approach to operating … Continue reading
Upcoming Archives Events
February is packed with opportunities to explore Barnsley’s past, whether you’re just starting out with family history or curious about what happens behind the scenes at the archives. From pop-up sessions in local libraries to exclusive archive store tours, there’s something for everyone to … Continue reading
Roddam Connects …………. Barnsley – Marlborough – Florence
To celebrate the art and legacy of John Roddam Spencer Stanhope, Hoylandswaine Arts Group, with support from Barnsley Museums, is hosting a very special event at Penistone Paramount on Sunday, 8 March at 13:00. This unique occasion celebrates the life and work of this distinguished local artist from Cannon Hall, … Continue reading
John Ledger: Beyond the Gallery Walls
John Ledger: Straight A’s is on display at The Cooper Gallery until 11 April 2026, showcasing the bold and distinctive work of the Barnsley-born artist. The exhibition brings together a powerful collection of Ledger’s text-based works, known for their striking colour palettes and confident, graphic style. … Continue reading
Half-Term Activities this February
Looking for ways to keep curious minds and creative hands busy this February half term? From art trails and crafty drop-ins to hands-on workshops and heritage-inspired fun, there’s plenty happening across Barnsley for children and families to enjoy – all with free activities included. … Continue reading
A Look Back on 2025
15th January 2026
2025 was a very exciting year for Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust as it was the year we celebrated our 10th anniversary, and an event was held at Barnsley College to celebrate this milestone. 2025 has been another successful year for the Trust, … Continue reading
Cannon Hall Bookshop – Donations Please!
The very popular pre-loved bookshop reopened at Cannon Hall in October and is raising vital funds to support Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens. The bookshop has been so popular over the Christmas period that some of the shelves are looking a bit empty, so we … Continue reading
Talk by Graham Ibbeson MBE and Ronnie Steele – 29th January
Barnsley Civic Trust, in partnership with Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, will be hosting a talk by sculptor Graham Ibbeson MBE and author Ronnie Steele in the Council Chamber at Barnsley Town Hall on Thursday 29th January @ 6.30pm. Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire Graham Ibbeson MBE has been a professional sculptor since graduating from the Royal College … Continue reading
Mini Wonders at Worsbrough Mill
Calling all grown-ups with children under 5! Are you looking for a free, exciting and creative opportunity to spend quality time with your child? Mini Wonders is an engaging 8-week course to be held at Worsbrough Mill, and is designed to build relationships between children and their caregivers. If you’d like to learn … Continue reading
New exhibitions exploring mental health open at The Cooper Gallery
Just Us are proud to announce their new exhibition ‘Expressing the Walls in My Mind’, created in collaboration with young people, artist Tony Wade, and with support from Barnsley Civic. The exhibition will take place in The Cooper Gallery’s Sadler Room from Saturday 17 January to Saturday 21 March 2026. … Continue reading
Celebrating Volunteer Impact
Volunteering can be a brilliant way to meet people, learn new skills and support a great cause. Barnsley Museums have an amazing army of volunteers across all their sites, and the Trust is very proud to have been able to secure funding to support them over … Continue reading
Counting Down to Christmas
11th December 2025
With Christmas just around the corner, there’s still plenty of festive fun to enjoy at Barnsley Museums. From seasonal markets to traditional celebrations and classic Christmas storytelling, the weeks leading up to Christmas offer lots of chances to get into … Continue reading
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust celebrates 10 successful years
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust celebrated 10 years since its inception on 21st November with a dazzling event in the Open Kitchen at Barnsley College. The Trust is an independent voluntary board of nine community champions which was founded to … Continue reading
Final Free Cinema Screening at the Parkway
The final free Cinema screening event as part of the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ project helping combat loneliness and isolation in people across Barnsley took place last Tuesday the 2nd of December. The screening of ‘Love Actually’ at The Parkway Cinema … Continue reading
Celebrating Volunteers This Christmas
Barnsley Museums recently held their annual Volunteers’ Christmas Party at Cannon Hall Museum, bringing together volunteers from across their sites for a festive celebration. We were delighted to attend and join in recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make throughout the … Continue reading
A Barnsley Carol Reunited
Barnsley’s very own Christmas carol has returned once again – and this year it’s bigger than ever. Barnsley Museums have just released a brand-new 2025 medley of Christmas Eve (The Barnsley Carol) on YouTube, bringing together an extraordinary line-up of … Continue reading
Christmas Shopping Made Easy
Take the stress out of Christmas shopping with a journey across the Barnsley Museum sites. Discover unique finds, shop local, support culture, and make your gifting this season truly meaningful. If you’re looking for those few extra presents, why not … Continue reading
Activities for Under 5s
Finding fun, engaging, and educational activities for little ones can be a challenge, but Barnsley Museums has plenty to offer for children under five! From creative play and story time to hands-on learning experiences, there are opportunities for toddlers and … Continue reading
Exploring Monk Bretton’s 17th Century Letters Patent
Barnsley’s Archives contain some fascinating documents, and one gem that makes an appearance at many events and open days is the Grant of King James I by letters patent of the Manor of Monk Bretton to George Wood and John … Continue reading
