Make the most of the school summer holidays by popping along to Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery (SM&AG), where you can imagine what life was like in the distant past, find out about locally created art, and take part in a range of creative activities.

Free to enter (although donations are greatly appreciated), this warm and welcoming town-centre destination - home to a number of nationally renowned artefacts - is offering a varied programme of hands-on activities to enjoy throughout August (and beyond), ensuring visitors of all ages can gain an insight into local history, art and much, much more...

COLLECTIONS                           
The Museum’s collections provide a fascinating journey through time and are deeply connected to local history. Visitors can view artefacts discovered just six miles away at Wroxeter - once part of the Roman city of Viroconium - and explore the Shropshire Naturalists Gallery, which celebrates the work of Shrewsbury’s own Charles Darwin.

Find out about the mammoths that walked the county millenia ago, and take in the historic architecture of the Tudor Gallery...

THE ARTS TRAIL                                                  
Now in its sixth year, Shrewsbury Arts Trail is a highlight of Shropshire’s cultural calendar. Central to the town-wide event are the Inspirational Exhibition and the Open Exhibition, both of which are on display at SM&AG. The latter comprises an inclusive collection of diverse works by local artists.

The trail’s theme for 2026, Impressions, has been inspired by the painting An Ancient Stronghold In France, by Wynford Dewhurst, a man described as ‘Manchester’s Monet’. Dewhurst’s painting - on loan from Bradford’s Cartwright Hall Gallery - is displayed alongside themed works, including creations by Pablo Picasso and John Piper.

CAFE CULTURE & MORE
The café and courtyard sit at the heart of Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery - perfect for punctuating your visit with a cuppa and a tasty treat.

Easily accessible from the main entrance on the Town Square, the café is open to all, not just those wishing to explore the galleries. Visitors can choose from brunch, lunch and a selection of tasty small plates and cakes. There’s also a special menu for younger visitors.

On warm days, head outside for an al fresco dining experience, which can be enjoyed either in the sun or, if preferred, in the shade of the courtyard’s permanent shelter.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
As the school summer holidays continue, so does a lively programme of activities and workshops to keep youngsters entertained.

Art Explorers takes place on Tuesday 4 August. The drop-in session invites families with children aged two to 11 to take inspiration from the art around them, and then to make their own creations in a relaxed workshop where each individual’s creative process is prioritised.

Get Creative is suitable for children aged five-plus and takes place from 10.30am to midday on the last three Fridays (14, 21 & 28) in August. Qualified teachers will host the sessions, during which budding young artists will be encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

Art Camp (suitable for ages 11 to 18) is a longer workshop (10am to 3pm) on Thursday 6 August. Here, participants will have the opportunity to achieve the Arts Award Discover - the launch-pad for further Arts Award qualifications.

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, head to the welcome desk in the museum’s shop, and pick up an Arts Trail activity sheet, designed by local illustrator Saffron Russell. There are also free activity sheets created by Saffron in the café.

On the first Saturday of each month, SM&AG hosts sessions where a growing community of LGBTQ+ families with young children meet in a relaxed setting - providing the perfect opportunity to make new friends over play, chat and a cuppa.

SM&AG also strives to maintain connections with visitors of all ages throughout the year. An example of this is Museum Babies - term-time sessions for the very youngest visitors and their grown-ups.

To find out more, visit the website: shropshiremuseums.org.uk