The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Jo Hodges, is encouraging people to visit Worcester's numerous historic attractions during the national Heritage Open Day festival (www.heritageopendays.org.uk) from 11 – 20 September.
The Grade 1 listed Guildhall (www.worcesterguildhall.co.uk) on Worcester's High Street is open Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm and Sunday 11am-3pm.
The Guildhall boasts the impressive Assembly Room, described by King George III as "a handsome gallery" when he visited in 1788. Visitors can follow in his royal footsteps to admire the Italianate ceiling and many striking portraits of Royalty and former Mayors.Queen Elizabeth II has also dined in the Assembly Room on three occasions.
It is also home to the Council Chamber, the City's former Court Rooms and the Mayor's Parlour.The current Mayor, Councillor Jo Hodges, will be present on Saturday 19 September to welcome visitors and to show off the mayoral chain, swords and maces.
"The Guildhall is an ornate and stunningly beautiful building which has hosted royalty on a number of occasions.However many Worcester residents have never been inside to experience its magnificent paintings, chandeliers and rich history," says the Mayor, Cllr Jo Hodges.
"It's well worth a visit – especially as it's completely free!"
A one-way system is in place.Visitors are required to wear face coverings and to leave their contact details, in line with COVID government guidelines.
The City Art Gallery and Museum on Worcester's Foregate Street (www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk) is open as usual from Monday to Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm.The gallery is currently hosting Mayflower400 – a special exhibition to mark the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers on board the Mayflower, from Plymouth in the UK to Plymouth, Massachusetts USA.One of the founding fathers was Edward Winslow, who was born in Droitwich.
To celebrate Heritage Open Days, the City Museum will also be hosting virtual tours which delve in to rarely seen aspects of its collections. Curators will give video talks on period costume, hidden gems of the fine art collection, and the original private collection which led to the formation of the County Museum. The videos will give viewers the opportunity to explore the treasure trove of the museum's collection store from the comfort of their own home.
Each video will be released at 10am daily, starting on 11 September, on the Museums Worcestershire Youtube account (simply search Museums Worcestershire) and shared on Facebook & Twitter too.
