About
Warwickshire Museum, housed in the historic Market Hall building in Warwick, showcases the rich heritage of Warwickshire from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum features extensive collections of local archaeology, natural history specimens, geology, and social history.
Notable displays include fossils, minerals, archaeological finds from Roman and medieval periods, and exhibits on Warwickshire's industrial and social development.
The Market Hall itself is a striking Victorian building completed in 1670, adding architectural interest to the visitor experience.
Categories:
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Weekday mornings for quieter visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- The museum is located in the historic Market Hall building in the centre of Warwick
- Combine your visit with Warwick Castle and other historic attractions nearby
- Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the main collections
- The building has historic features that add architectural interest
- Free admission makes it an excellent value educational visit
- Check website for any temporary exhibitions or special events
Highlights
Sheldon Tapestry Map
Famous tapestry map of Warwickshire dating from the early 17th century, showing towns, villages, and landmarks in detailed embroidered form. One of the most important county maps of its era.
Warwick Vase
Cast of the famous Warwick Vase, a monumental ancient Roman marble crater discovered at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli in the 18th century.
Geological Collection
Extensive collection of fossils, minerals, and rocks from Warwickshire and beyond, showcasing the geological history of the region including Jurassic period specimens.
Roman Warwickshire
Archaeological finds from Roman sites across Warwickshire, including pottery, coins, and everyday objects that illuminate Roman life in the region.
Collections
The Warwickshire Museum houses comprehensive collections documenting the natural and human history of Warwickshire from prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum holds significant archaeological collections from excavations throughout the county, including prehistoric, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and medieval artifacts.
The natural history collections feature fossils, geological specimens, and taxidermy representing local wildlife.
Social history collections include items relating to daily life, industry, and cultural development in Warwickshire. The museum also maintains important archive materials and the renowned Sheldon Tapestry Map.
Collections serve both public display and research purposes, supporting understanding of Warwickshire's heritage.
Warwickshire Through Time
Chronological journey through Warwickshire's history from prehistoric settlements through Roman occupation, medieval development, and into the modern industrial age.
📍 Main gallery
Natural Warwickshire
Exploration of the county's geology, fossils, minerals, and wildlife, showcasing the natural environment and how it has shaped human settlement.
📍 Natural history gallery
Archaeological Discoveries
Display of significant archaeological finds from across Warwickshire, revealing evidence of past civilizations and daily life through the centuries.
📍 Archaeology section
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
Nearby Museums (5 within 6 miles)
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum (Royal Warwickshire)
Military & Defense
Warwick — ~6 min walk (0.3 mi)