The John Bunyan Museum in Bedford will reopen for the 2024 season this month, with a new-look gift shop and entrance.
Situated next to the Bunyan Meeting on Mill Street, the museum tells the fascinating story of the Bedford man who wrote The Pilgrim’s
Progress, one of the greatest novels in the English language.
During Bunyan’s remarkable life, he was a soldier, tinker, preacher, and dissenter. He spent 12 years in Bedford prison for illegal preaching and it was here that he wrote his masterpiece.
Following its annual winter closure, the museum will reopen on Tuesday, 20 February at 11am. Admission to the museum is free and there are lots of free family-friendly activities – perfect for a half-term visit.
2023 was a challenging year for the museum after two floods damaged the entrance area, shop and church offices meaning they needed redecorating.
“We were so lucky that neither flood affected the collections or displays,” said museum director, Nicola Sherhod.
“We now have a new look shop with lots of items to suit a range of budgets and a redecorated entrance ready to welcome back our visitors.
“Thanks to a successful volunteer recruitment morning, we have lots of enthusiastic new volunteers to join our dedicated team welcoming visitors from near and far. The museum wouldn’t exist without our volunteers, keeping the museum open, leading groups and schools, and working behind the scenes to care for the collections and promote the museum.
“Volunteering for the museum is also a great way of meeting new people and learning and developing new skills.”
If you are interested in volunteering at the museum and would like to find out more, you can email curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk or call 01234 270303. Information is also available here on their website.
The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am – 4.00pm (closed Good Friday) and admission is free.
