Museum and Art Swindon reopens for first time since 2020

Museum and Art Swindon opened last week in a new premises following its indefinite closure during the first Covid lockdown in 2020.

The gallery has moved from Apsley House in Bath Road to the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, to make its collection of modern 20th-century art more accessible to more people.

The first floor of the art deco offices will increase the gallery’s display spaces by 40% and provide more space for staff and a new volunteer programme. There are also learning and lunchroom areas for school groups.

Opening exhibitions include: Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within, produced as part of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding through Wessex Museums; Double Take, featuring artworks produced by Swindon school children; Pieces of Me, an exploration of identity through art, co-curated with young people from Swindon; and Origins, a history of the town.

The gallery unveiled a new name and brand identity in January.

“We wanted to create an identity for the new museum that has real meaning and purpose,” said Carly Smith, creative director at GEL Studios, the local creative agency which worked on the rebrand.

“The branding journey was focused on how Museum & Art Swindon positions itself and explored what the museum has to offer to the community and beyond. From its collections and exhibitions through to the expert curators and the new venue too.”

In a statement, the museum said the rebrand represents a strategic move ensuring it “provides a public service that encourages discovery, enriches people’s lives, celebrates Swindon’s history and its amazing art collection, inspires the public, staff and stakeholders and has the ability to share its world class collection with the public”.

Frances Yeo, Swindon museums manager, said: "This marks a pivotal moment in the history of Museum & Art Swindon. Our new brand identity not only captures the essence of who we are today but also sets the stage for our future endeavours.”