Exhibitions

Our exciting displays take you on a journey through Chelmsford's history, from the Ice Age, through the Romans and Anglo-Saxons, right to 2012.

You can see the remains of mammoths, discover how Stone Age people lived, what the Roman's did for us and see the Anglo-Saxon Prince who was buried in Broomfield. In our galleries you can find interactive displays, immersive video and audio, games and more.

Our Toys and Childhood gallery brings the excitement of looking through a toy shop window. Most recently, it has had an takeover from children's author Kes Gray, who has loaned some of his extensive toy collection to us! 

Whatever your age, this room will bring back memories of childhood. There is also a play area with reproduction wooden toys for children of all ages to enjoy.

Our fascinating exhibition uses interactive displays to tell the story of how Marconi, Crompton and Hoffmann put Chelmsford on the world map as the birthplace of three key modern technologies: electrical engineering; telecommunications, and precision bearing manufacture.

Bright Sparks lets you discover the surprising story of Chelmsford's key industries through the firms' products, employees' own stories and hands-on science exhibits. Discover RMS Titanic's Radio Room - a reconstruction of the Radio Room on board the ill-fated Titanic, and find out more about how Chelmsford was home to the birth of live entertainment broadcasts.

This room highlights some of the fantastic costumes from our collection. Previous fashions on display have ranged from a 1960s psychedelic jacket to a fabulous Edwardian dress! Currently on display are childhood outfits from the ages, along with some memorable toys.

You can see some of the fashion accessories that were used with the costumes, and there's a dress-up box too. This gallery will be changed regularly so be sure to visit again to see what's new!

The Ceramics gallery celebrates potters that have lived and worked in and around Chelmsford, focusing on Grayson Perry and our very own pot made by him: 'The Chelmsford Sissies'.

There are also eccentric pots produced by Edward Bingham along with internationally recognised work by Bob Washington and Joanna Constantinidis.

A small exhibition that follows the Essex Yeomanry from its founding in 1794 as a volunteer cavalry formed by prominent landowners.

Today, the Yeomanry is part of the Territorial Army's 71 (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment in the Royal Corps of Signals.

Highlights of this exhibition are uniform, weapons and other artefacts, including a banjo and wooden tray that belonged to local hero Harold Mugford VC. 

The wildlife displays are a family favourite! Find the queen bee in our living beehive, and watch the bees flying out to Oaklands Park to the beautiful flowers, and search for Boris the Bear in the Victorian Hall, the most famous bear in Chelmsford!

There is a chance to see our taxidermy mounts, which includes animals that you could find around Chelmsford. Don't forget to play on the game on our interactive display.

A fully equipped kitchen and wash-house helps to bring the Victorian House to life.

Imagine what it would have been like to have been a cook or to have done the washing when the museum was a private house!

The Our Chelmsford Gallery is a space for Chelmsford artists to exhibit their work in a public gallery and be visible to local and regional audiences.

Our Temporary Exhibition Gallery is the ideal space for our curatorial team to explore subjects and themes linked to Chelmsford and the wider region in more depth.