Latest News
Exhibition – Cannon Hall: The Story of a House and Its Family
13th May 2026
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 20 September 2026 Step inside Cannon Hall Museum and explore 300 years of history of the house and family in this fascinating new exhibition. Discover the hall from its beginnings as a small manor house in the middle of the 17th century through … Continue reading
Support BMHT Through the Co-op Local Community Fund
We are delighted to be part of the Co-op Local Community Fund helping us continue delivering arts, heritage, and wellbeing projects across the borough. This year, your support will help us work with the Elsecar community to uncover and celebrate the village’s lesser-known history. … Continue reading
New Learning Boxes at Barnsley Museums thanks to Grant Funding
Emmy Gratton-Rayson is both a Trustee of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust and a Visitor Services Assistant working at both Experience Barnsley and the Cooper Gallery which gives a great perspective of both organisations and how we can work together to achieve brilliant things. Here, Emmy talks about how some … Continue reading
Plenty to Explore Across Barnsley This May
There is plenty happening across Barnsley this May, with a varied programme of activities for all ages and interests. Some events will be taking place at Barnsley Museums sites, offering the chance to explore local history, collections, and creative spaces, … Continue reading
Small Steps to Better Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between 11 to 17 May this year (Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation) and this year’s theme is “Action”. Volunteering can have a profound effect on mental wellbeing and Barnsley Museums and Heritage … Continue reading
“Objects, People and Perspective”
A curated display by staff and volunteers in the Oak Room at Cannon Hall Museum Staff and volunteers were invited to select their favourite objects from the collections and describe how these objects connect to their roles as well as … Continue reading
Wellbeing Through Culture, Heritage and Community
This Mental Health Awareness Week, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust are highlighting some of the projects and groups we support that show how creativity, heritage, nature, and community spaces can support positive mental health and help people feel more connected.
Penistone Library reopens after refurbishment
Penistone Library reopened on 20 April and along with an enhanced children’s area including a colourful design featuring a vibrant mural of Penistone railway viaduct and the surrounding rolling hills. There is improved access to the Dransfield Collection, a significant local history resource … Continue reading
Barnsley airman’s sacrifice remembered: Sgt. David Taylor Horsfall of the Dambusters raid
A Barnsley airman who played a vital role in one of the Second World War’s most iconic missions is being remembered for his courage and sacrifice with a Barnsley Civic Trust blue plaque unveiling taking place at Shaw Lane Sports Club, Barnsley on Saturday 16 … Continue reading
Gardeners to the rescue: National Plant Collections at Wentworth Castle Gardens
14th April 2026
Chris Margrave, National Collections Volunteer with the National Trust Image: Nick Singleton As the gardens approach their peak spring blossom display, with the camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons wowing visitors with their colour and scent, it’s a perfect moment to highlight the important role Wentworth … Continue reading
Barnsley International Market returns this April
The International Market returns to Barnsley from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th April 2026, bringing a weekend of great food, shopping and atmosphere to The Glass Works. Taking place in the heart of the town centre, the market will feature a wide range of street food … Continue reading
Discover the world of printmaking at The Cooper Gallery’s latest exhibition
Get ready to discover fascinating artworks this spring at The Cooper Gallery with the new exhibition, Studio Prints: Creative Collaboration. The exhibition runs from Saturday 25 April to Saturday 31 October 2026. We invite everyone, whether you have an interest in … Continue reading
The Newcomen Engine at Elsecar
One of our favourite things to visit at Elsecar Heritage Centre is the Newcomen Engine. The Newcomen Beam Engine, constructed under the direction of the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam, was designed to pump water from Elsecar New Colliery, enabling access to deeper coal seams. It … Continue reading
Post by Benny Watson
Sadler Room at the Cooper Gallery, Sat 9 May to Sat 31 October 2026 Discover Post, a new solo exhibition from British multimedia artist Benny Watson. In his first solo exhibition with the gallery, Watson explores the material and conceptual … Continue reading
Voices Blooming Returns to Wentworth Castle Gardens
As the gardens burst into colour this spring, visitors to Wentworth Castle Gardens can once again enjoy the uplifting sounds of community choirs as part of the much-loved Voices Blooming event. Following the success of last year’s gathering, local choirs will come … Continue reading
The Forgotten Boat Yard of Elsecar
Whilst researching the history around Elsecar, Catherine Roebuck (Visitor Services Assistant) came across a reference to a boat called the ‘North Star’ built in 1855. Surprised that boats were being built so far from the coast, she decided to try learn more. To read what Catherine discovered about the … Continue reading
Cannon Hall Museum Reopens for Spring
23rd March 2026
After a winter break, Cannon Hall Museum is reopening its doors from Saturday 28 March, just in time for the Easter holidays. It’s a great excuse for a day out, whether you fancy a wander through the historic rooms, a bit … Continue reading
Worsbrough 400 – A Celebration Through STEAM – Amazelab competition
Back in January, Amazelab invited schools, community groups and home educators to take part in a self-led STEAM challenge celebrating the rich history, science and creativity of Worsbrough Mill. The challenge was to create a STEAM powered tribute to the … Continue reading
Dearne Young Producers Shine at Ambition Arena
We’re so thrilled to announce that the Dearne Young Producers did us all proud at Friday’s Ambition Arena, resulting in the dragons investing £2.7k in the young people’s proposal to expand the Game on Barnsley e-gaming tournaments across the borough … Continue reading
One Place Study – Barnsley College Exhibition at The Cooper Gallery
UAL L3 Creative Practice Diploma students from Barnsley College are holding an exhibition in the Sadler Room at The Cooper Gallery. One-Place Study is an exhibition of multidiscipline prints and sculpture based on the stories, people and places of Barnsley. You can … Continue reading
Great Childhoods Ambition Celebration Event 28th March 2026
Join us on Saturday 28 March in The Glass Works Square for a free family celebration marking one year of Barnsley’s Great Childhoods Ambition. The event brings together local organisations and community partners for a funfilled day of activities, performances and hands on experiences for children and young … Continue reading
The Shared Horizon/KYN Brushstrokes and Banter Projects Celebration Exhibition launch event 4th March 2026
It was time to celebrate, as the Shared Horizon and KYN Brushstrokes and Banter community groups, carers, volunteers and NHS staff across Barnsley came together to view their artwork on display at the Celebration Exhibition launch event held at the Cooper Gallery. This joyous event was attended by over 80 attendees from various groups of people who had been experiencing loneliness and … Continue reading
Invitation: Barnsley Visitor Economy Forum
You’re invited to get involved and drive forward Barnsley’s visitor economy. The Barnsley Visitor Economy Forum brings together businesses, organisations and partners from across the tourism and hospitality sector to connect, collaborate and help steer the direction of Barnsley as a destination. The Forum is led by the sector, and is your … Continue reading
Yorkshire Heritage Summit In Barnsley Will Be Biggest Yet
Yorkshire’s popular annual gathering of heritage organisations will take place on Wednesday 25 March in the historic South Yorkshire town of Barnsley. The summit, hosted by Barnsley Civic looks set to be the biggest yet in terms of attendees at the morning Symposium and Exhibitors at the afternoons Yorkshire Heritage Exhibition. This year’s summit organised by … Continue reading
