About
Wrexham County Borough Museum is the principal museum for the county borough of Wrexham, housed in the historic County Buildings on Regent Street in the heart of the town. Opened in its current form in 1996, the museum serves as the foremost repository for the history, culture, and heritage of Wrexham and the wider north-east Wales region, making it an essential destination for anyone wishing to understand this distinctive corner of Wales.
The museum's collections explore the remarkable story of Wrexham across the centuries, from its origins as a medieval market town to its transformation during the Industrial Revolution into one of Wales's most important manufacturing centres. Wrexham's role in the development of the British iron and steel industry is a major theme, reflecting the town's long history of ironworking that pre-dates the more famous industrial regions of South Wales. The Bersham Ironworks, located just outside the town, was a pioneering centre of early iron production, and the museum illuminates this heritage with compelling displays and original artefacts.
The coal-mining heritage of the region is equally well represented, with evocative displays charting the lives of the miners and their communities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Personal stories, tools, photographs, and documents bring to life the grit, camaraderie, and dangers of pit life in north-east Wales.
Perhaps no aspect of Wrexham's identity is more passionately held than its association with football. Wrexham AFC, founded in 1864, is the third-oldest professional football club in the world, and the museum celebrates this heritage with dedicated displays covering the club's history, notable players, and its deep connection to the community โ including its remarkable recent revival story that captured global attention.
The museum also explores Welsh language and cultural traditions, the history of local industries including brewing and leather-working, and the social history of the region's diverse communities. Regular temporary exhibitions complement the permanent galleries, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant and relevant cultural hub for the people of Wrexham.
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Plan Your Visit
โฑ๏ธ Recommended Visit Duration
๐ Best Times to Visit
๐ก Visitor Tips
- The football heritage gallery is a must-see โ the collection celebrates Wrexham AFC's remarkable story as one of the world's oldest professional clubs.
- Admission is completely free, making this an excellent choice for families and anyone on a budget.
- Weekday mornings are generally quietest. The museum can be busier during school holiday periods when family events are running.
- Both Wrexham General and Wrexham Central stations are within 5 minutes' walk, making this very easy to reach by train from Chester or Shrewsbury.
- Combine your visit with a walk to St Giles Parish Church, just 5 minutes away โ one of the Seven Wonders of Wales with a superb medieval tower.
- Ask at reception for family activity sheets and trail guides to help younger visitors engage with the collections.
- Erddig Hall, just 2 miles south, is one of the National Trust's most unusual and fascinating properties โ well worth combining with a museum visit.
- The museum is fully accessible with lift access to all floors and accessible toilets. Ask staff if you need any assistance.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The museum's collections encompass archaeology, social history, industrial history, natural history, fine and decorative art, and photographic archives relating to Wrexham and north-east Wales. The football heritage collection is nationally significant, and the industrial heritage archives are an important resource for researchers studying the early British Industrial Revolution.
Wrexham's Industrial Story
Ironworking, coal mining, brewing, and manufacturing heritage from the Industrial Revolution to the 20th century.
Football Heritage Gallery
The story of Wrexham AFC from 1864 to the present, celebrating the world's third-oldest professional football club.
Medieval Wrexham
Archaeological finds and historical displays exploring Wrexham's origins as a medieval market town.
Welsh Language and Culture
Celebrating the Welsh language, chapel culture, and cultural traditions of north-east Wales.
Natural History of the Region
Geological specimens, flora and fauna collections, and environmental displays representing north-east Wales.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.