Barnsley Museums to host exclusive exhibition celebrating Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt
Barnsley Museums are thrilled to announce the launch of a truly unique exhibition this March. Step into the mesmerising world of ancient Egypt at the Experience Barnsley Museum, where Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt will open on Saturday 7 March 2026, running until February 2027.
Designed and curated by Barnsley-born, BAFTA-winning Egyptologist Professor Joann Fletcher, a patron of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, this immersive exhibition shines a spotlight on the life of Cleopatra, her timeless legacy and the influential women who shaped her world. It also uncovers the fascinating and unexpected links between ancient Egypt and Barnsley, revealing how our local heritage connects to one of history’s most iconic civilisations.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to marvel at extraordinary artefacts, many displayed together for the first time. This includes over 100 objects from Bolton Museum’s internationally renowned collection, plus prestigious loans from the Egypt Exploration Society, the British Museum, the Egyptomania Museum and more. All of this will be set within the inspiring surroundings of Experience Barnsley.
Alongside the exhibition, guests can enjoy a year-long programme of talks, guided tours, engaging events, and online content. Perfect for all ages, it’s an unmissable chance to learn, discover, and be inspired by stories that have shaped our world.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “The Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt exhibition will offer visitors a unique window into the ancient world.
“Following the incredible success of ‘TUT22: The Life of Tutankhamun’ at Experience Barnsley in 2022, this is another fantastic addition to Barnsley’s rich cultural offer.
“Exhibitions like this are vital for giving everyone the chance to discover something new, connect with culture, and celebrate the links between global heritage and our local community.”
Professor Joann Fletcher said: “This is a real passion project, focusing on the famous if little-understood female pharaoh Cleopatra and putting her back into history, both at an international and local level.
“By looking at Egypt’s earlier queens, female pharaohs and goddesses who were very much Cleopatra’s role models, the exhibition will highlight key parts of her life, ending with her legacy and the way she’s been viewed down the centuries since her death – basically how Cleopatra looked back at her predecessors and in turn, how we now look back at her”.
“It’s been such a privilege working with our colleagues in Barnsley, around the UK and abroad to bring all this together here in my hometown, whose own links to ancient Egypt and Cleopatra herself add that extra special element to this unique exhibition”.
Whether you’re a seasoned history enthusiast or discovering the wonders of ancient Egypt for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this fascinating exhibition spanning 5,000 years of history. Find out more on the Barnsley Museums website.