It’s shaping up to be a sensational summer at Barnsley Museums, with an exciting range of free family activities over the summer holidays.

 

A woman and a young girl examine objects on an antique wooden desk in a museum exhibit, surrounded by framed photos, historical artifacts, and informational displays on the wall.

Great Museum Quest

Pick up your free, Great Museum Quest passport at any of the Barnsley Museums (Cannon Hall Museum, Cooper Gallery, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Experience Barnsley Museum and Worsbrough Mill Museum) to start your adventure.

Take part in one of the four, free suggested activities at any of the museums to earn a Great Museum Quest sticker. Fill in your passport at all five museums and receive a special edition badge and certificate for completing the challenge.

The Great Museum Quest has been funded by Barnsley Council's Great Childhoods Ambition 

Events and activities

Exhibitions

A woman and a young child look closely at items displayed in a glass museum case. The woman points at something inside, while the child watches with interest. The scene is colourful and warmly lit.

Relaxed Openings at Experience Barnsley Museum and The Cooper Gallery

23 July and 19 August

Come along to our relaxed openings, which are designed for visitors who would prefer a quieter experience in the museum. Interactives and audio will be turned down or off to create a quieter experience for visitors who prefer it.

Please note that this relaxed opening is during the school holidays and so the Gallery may be busy at peak times. We will be opening an hour early at 9am for a quiet hour, after this our audio will remain switched off for the rest of the day to reduce sensory stimulation.

There are a small number of interactives that are on motion sensors and cannot be turned off. We can never guarantee how quiet or busy the Gallery might be during these sessions, however, we will not book in any groups or school visits during these days. Sensory backpacks and sunflower lanyards are available from the front desk if you would like to borrow any for the duration of your visit.