Culture in Norwich: Museum of Norwich at 100
Culture in Norwich: Museum of Norwich at 100
At the heart of the Museum of Norwich for the last century has been the city’s welcoming, proud and creative community. And today, it’s no different.
This unassuming building on Bridewell Alley is itself brimming with history. Inside, there’s even more! Tucked away, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner. Here, nostalgic displays give way to incredible discoveries and true human stories, each one celebrating the people, past and present, of Norwich.
In honour of the Museum of Norwich’s 100th anniversary, we talk to Curator of Community History, Hannah Henderson, shining a spotlight on the museum’s celebrations and why it means so much to the city, its people and its history, and should continue to do so for another hundred years!
Image: Museum of Norwich
Pinch Paints’ beautiful painting in honour of the Museum of Norwich’s centenary. Credit: Museum of Norwich
Congratulations on your centenary! Why is this such an amazing milestone for the Museum of Norwich?
We are so proud of this museum, our ancient building and all the work that happens here.
Our founder Henry Holmes created the museum 100 years ago and it was his ambition that it would “provide a source of pleasure and pride to the citizens” and “inspire the younger generation to realise the greatness of their heritage.”
We hope we continue this legacy with our warm welcome, dynamic community engagement programmes and our commitment to improving the wellbeing of those we work with.
What is it like to manage the museum and curate everything that we can see? I imagine no two days are the same!
We learn something new every day here at the museum. No day is ever the same.
As I write, we have been celebrating Heritage Open Days and have welcomed over 450 visitors through our doors just today. Volunteers with the Costume and Textile Association have been with us, making 1920s themed bookmarks with the public, and the Golden Star Morris have been in and danced their little jingly socks off in our courtyard!
It’s all about community! Queer Norfolk with their zine, co-created with the Museum of Norwich last year. Credit: Museum of Norwich
The Museum of Norwich is known for showcasing our city’s industries and community and you’ve got great relationships with the likes of tour guide Paul Dickson, the Norwich Freemen, Norfolk Heritage Collective, local artists and more! So, how have you been celebrating? Can anyone mark this special occasion with you?
We are very fortunate to enjoy great working relationships with so many local experts and creatives, such as Queer Norfolk- last year we co-created a zine and tour with them. Thanks to funding from the Friends of Norwich Museums and The Norwich Freemen’s Charity, we have been celebrating in a wide range of ways.
Thanks to the Norwich Freemen, we have been able to offer free entry to over 3500 local people and create a gorgeous events programme featuring a talk on 1920s fashion by expert Lisa Smith-Clare, a 1920s themed walking tour led by Paul Dickson and an intergenerational story book project led by artist Rose Feather.
We also joined in with the Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre, welcoming 1200 visitors, hosting the band Lassie- who played two acoustic sets in our courtyard- and unveiling our centenary commission painting with our Artist in Residence, Pinch.
There is still more to come…
We have an upcoming talk with Pinch about their work and the commission on Saturday 26 September at 5.30pm: The Making of the Museum of Norwich 100-Year Commission: An Artist Talk from Pinch.
What’s more, we offer monthly Building History tours (first Saturday of the month, various times, £5), including our undercroft- the largest in the city!
And rumour has it Father Christmas might be popping by, so watch this space!
Your Pinch Paints commission is beautiful, what a way to celebrate 100 years. What and who features in the fabulous painting?
It was such a privilege to commission such a talented artist like Pinch to commemorate our 100th birthday.
Pinch chose to include some of our city’s heritage heroes, including Elizabeth Fry, Peter the Wild Boy, John Crome, Samson, our founder Henry Holmes, Pippa Miller and our beloved, John Newstead, who donated the jewel in our crown, the Pharmacy. If you look closely, you can even see myself and our Building Manager Elliot, in the front door. It really is a time hopping, family affair!
The recreated chemist’s is unmissable! Credit: Norfolk Museums Service
The story of the museum’s founder Sir Henry Holmes is heartwarming and as a city we have a lo t to thank him for- what do you think he would be most proud of in 2026 as you celebrate the outcomes of his work and vision?
I am sure Henry would have been so chuffed to see so many Norwich people enjoying visiting the museum over the last few months and seeing the impact it has on their sense of pride and wellbeing.
I have asked folk what they thought and here is what they said:
“I have lived in the city all my life and I have never been. I can honestly say this is the best museum I have ever visited.”
“I need to tell you what a meaningful experience it has been to visit today. I worked at Start Rite and to see those shoes again brought so back so much pride and happy memories, I was moved to tears.”
“Every time I come here for a project it’s transformative. Life changing even. It’s just wonderful.”
There’s so much to see in the Museum of Norwich- some locals and visitors may recognise, such as the original Samson and Hercules. Do you have a display, story or experience that you always recommend visitors make time for? (We love the Robert Kett’s Rebellion VR experience!)
The answer has to be our recreated chemist shop. It is the best in the UK!
John Newstead, the donor, passed away a few years ago now, but we are still in touch with his gorgeous wife Janie. I call her regularly to tell her how much visitors love to see all the bottles and jars and hear about their life’s work.
John donated the collection in the 1980s and then volunteered every week for 30 years to help document it’s 2,500 plus items! Sweetly, Janie always sent him along with some cake to share. For both this generous donation, their support and the tasty cake, we will be forever grateful.
The Museum of Norwich has so much to offer, including tours of their undercroft! Credit: Museum of Norwich
A newer addition to your displays includes David Shenton’s ‘Duo Shirt’ (currently on display at Norwich Castle). What’s next for the Museum of Norwich in 10, 50 or even another 100 years?
What a question.
I hope the museum goes from strength to strength and continues to be loved and supported by local people.
We have just created a PhD studentship with Norwich University of the Arts, to study the impact museums have on communities and their wellbeing, so we hope to be testing lots of ideas with local people soon. With this intel, we can only get better and better.
This museum thrives because it is a place where people can come together, have fun, share their thoughts and maybe learn something new.
Whilst we look after a listed building and 25,000 precious collections, the most treasured thing of all about this place is the local community that supports it. I hope this continues for many years to come.
The Museum of Norwich continues its centenary celebrations throughout 2026. Visit from Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm, adults from £7.74, children from £6.57, twilight ticket 1 hour before close £2.50. Pre-book online for the best prices.
