History and heritage galore as What's In Store opens at Museum of Wigan Life

History and heritage galore as What's In Store opens at Museum of Wigan Life

Wigan Borough’s historic collections – including ancient Roman and Egyptian artefacts – are the headline act as a new exhibition opens at the Museum of Wigan Life on Saturday, May 18.

Funded by Arts Council England, What’s In Store showcases items rarely seen by the public, bringing both local and global history to life.

Hosted at the Museum of Wigan Life, and in a move from specific themes, the exhibition is organised by material and type of collection with trails and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities, said: “This new exhibition will showcase the extraordinary of the everyday, and we can’t wait to see people enjoying the space and objects on display.

“At Wigan Council, we’re committed to making arts and culture accessible to everyone through our cultural manifesto and What’s in Store is a perfect example of how we’re bringing this to life.”

The interactive and family friendly exhibition will showcase over 600 amazing artefacts from the museum collections - from costume to fine art and machinery. 

Some of these objects have been selected by local young people who have joined the museum’s Young Curators Collective developed in partnership with Wigan Youth Zone.

Another strand of the exhibition is What’s in Store On Tour, which will see mini displays touring libraries across the borough throughout the summer months – bringing collections to communities and providing opportunities for residents to give feedback.

Coun Ready added: “We’re really proud that next year, What’s in Store Turnpike will launch - a new open store space at the Turnpike Gallery to showcase part of the Drumcroon art collection.

“Down the line, this artwork will also be available for local schools to loan in a new pilot loans scheme – allowing them to take art into the classroom to inspire the creativity of the next generation of local artists.”

Find out more about the Museum of Wigan Life.