DISCOVERY CENTRE

Unboxing Gloucester’s Past

Working with Cotswold Archaeology, we are continuing to open up these boxes to explore the incredible stories from beneath our feet – who knows what treasures we might find? And you can witness this in here. 

Over the summer and early Autumn, we are unboxing more of the archaeology at the Discovery Centre within the Museum, where you can see the archaeologists at work, witness their discoveries, and take part in fun family friendly activities. Come on in! 

What’s Happening?

Now moved into the Museum from Gloucester’s Eastgate Shopping Centre. This will be a place where: 

  • You can explore newly uncovered artefacts and discover their stories.

  • Volunteers can help us sort, repackage, and catalogue archaeological finds.

  • We create the first-ever digital inventory of Gloucester’s incredible archaeological collections.

Why Does It Matter?

By improving how we care for Gloucester’s heritage, we’ll preserve it for generations to come. This project will also help us:

  • Make Gloucester’s history more accessible and relatable to everyone.

  • Share untold stories and better explain the significance of our finds.

  • Build a skilled and diverse volunteer team, representing the vibrant communities of our city.

Be Part of the Journey

This is your city, your past, and your story. Whether you pop in to see what we’re unboxing, or simply follow along online, we want you to feel connected to Gloucester’s heritage. Together, we’ll uncover the layers of history that have shaped the place we call home.

Let’s unbox Gloucester’s past—together.

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FAQ:

  • The Discovery Centre is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm. Cotswold Archaeology and volunteers are around Thursday to Saturday, 10am–4pm.

  • There is plenty for families to enjoy in the space. Explore archaeological finds and the places they came from, try colouring and puzzles, make mosaics, build with LEGO, enjoy reading activities and discover much more. You can also chat with our volunteers during your visit to learn more about the project.

  • The Discovery Centre is located within the Museum of Gloucester. The Museum is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with visitor facilities and accessibility information available to help you plan your visit.

  • The original Discovery Centre project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund #DynamicCollections, which also enabled the move to the Museum. Additional funding came from the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Thanks to funding from DCMS and Arts Council England, we have been able to partner with Cotswold Archaeology again to return to the Museum and tackle more of the archaeological archive collection. 

  • Any decisions about archaeological material are made carefully and in line with museum collections procedures, alongside recommendations from experts. The project helps us better understand, document and care for Gloucester’s archaeological archive so that important objects and their stories can be preserved for the future. If you represent a school, community or local interest group and would be interested in having any of the discarded material for educational purposes, please get in contact with us at museum.collections@gloucester.gov.uk

  • Volunteers play an important role in helping us sort, repackage and catalogue archaeological finds. If you are interested in volunteering with the Discovery Centre, please contact Cotswold Archaeology through https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/volunteer-with-us/

  • Looking for a local history experience or a start-of-term treat? Bring your class to the Discovery Centre to see what has been happening, explore some of our amazing finds and meet the team from Cotswold Archaeology. To book a school visit, please contact museum.learning@gloucester.gov.uk with “Discovery Centre visit enquiry” in the subject line. 

  • Visitors can get close to real archaeological material and discover what objects can tell us about Gloucester’s past. Where handling is available, staff and volunteers will guide visitors so that objects can be explored safely and carefully.