The Future of the Past

The Museum of Somerset is a project being led by Somerset County Council’s Heritage Service to conserve and restore Taunton Castle and to rejuvenate the Somerset County Museum located within it.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed £4.8m funding for the project. A further £1.7m must be raised through grants and public fundraising.

The aim is to create a visitor attraction that will tell the story of Somerset from prehistoric times to the present day, and display its history and heritage in exciting new ways.

The new museum will offer greatly improved services for visitors including a cafe, extended opening times and a large temporary gallery capable of staging national touring exhibitions. It is hoped that visitor numbers will double to over 60,000 annually.

Plans also allow for the restoration of Taunton Castle itself, parts of which date back to the 12th century. Much more of the castle will be opened up to the public, and there will be vastly improved access for people with disabilities.

The Museum of Somerset Project is a crucial part of Project Taunton's plans to enhance the county town, with Taunton Castle standing at the heart of a new cultural quarter.

The Heritage Lottery Fund grant was confirmed on 18th March giving the go-ahead for the work to begin. The Somerset County Museum closed to the public on the 19th April 2008 for the development works to take place. We aim to open the Museum of Somerset in Summer 2010.