The Museum in the Park is set in the beautiful grounds of Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Situated in a Grade II listed 17th Century wool merchant’s house; our collection tells the fascinating story of the Stroud District’s rich and diverse history. With over 4,000 objects on display, including dinosaur bones, historical paintings and even one of the world’s first lawnmowers, there is something to spark the interest of all visitors!
In addition to the main displays in the mansion house, we have our modern extension which houses a gift shop and refreshments area, alongside a modern, purpose-built art gallery showing a varied programme of exhibitions. Behind this is our newest addition to the space - a beautiful contemporary Walled Garden.
We would recommend allowing between one to two hours to visit all areas of the Museum in the Park. You are of course welcome to visit more briefly or for longer! As a free to enter museum you can come back again and again!
Visitors are often surprised by how much there is to see in the museum displays, to help you prepare your visit we’ve created a video guide on our collections page.
Here at the Museum we are very proud to have something to offer visitors of all ages and we enthusiastically welcome families and groups. The displays were designed, as far as possible, with everyone in mind. Many of the rooms contain interactives and toys, and some even sport peep holes into the cabinets at a child friendly height!
Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at a workshop, pause for thought in the galleries, attend a talk or enjoy a family explorer trail. With our diverse collection and exciting events programme we truly do offer something for everyone. Visit us and discover something new!
FAQS
Are dogs or other animals allowed in the museum and garden?
Only trained assistance dogs are permitted in the museum grounds. Please do not bring any other dogs or animals into the museum. All dogs are permitted in the courtyard at the front of the museum where we provide water for them.
May we bring a picnic?
Picnics are not permitted in the museum grounds or tables but you’ll find plenty of space under the beautiful trees or benches in the park to enjoy your picnic in an historic landscape. Any purchase you make in our café helps support the museum.
Museum in the park floorplan - click image to enlarge
Is there somewhere to leave scooters, bicycles and footballs?
Whilst scooters, bicycles, footballs (or any ball) are not permitted to be used in the museum grounds, we have an area that they can be left in, bicycles can also be locked to our railing in the courtyard. For those itching to have a kick around or a scoot - there is of course the wonderful parkland that we are situated within.
To discover more about the Collection click here.
For events and temporary exhibitions please visit our What’s On.
To find out more about the Walled Garden click here.
Other useful information: Find Us, Contact Us, Detailed Opening Times.
Our vision is to provide a museum service that encourages everyone who lives, works or visits the Stroud District to be proud of its past, present and future. Further information on our manifesto can be read here.
We deliver our vision through our mission statement and forward plan. Our current mission statement is enabling people to access and share the collections and heritage of the Stroud District for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. Further information on our Mission Statement can be read here.
Our current forward plan can be found here.
Our most recent Annual Report can be found here.
