THE Museum of Somerset will temporarily close as part of a phased programme of essential improvement works ahead of the opening of its landmark Chew Valley Hoard exhibition in 2027.

The temporary closure will allow vital conservation and improvements works to take place within the Grade I listed Taunton Castle, safeguarding the historic building and nationally important collections for future generations.

The most significant element of the project will be the replacement of the deteriorating floor in the museum's Great Hall caused by damp. The works will see the existing floor removed, the underlying structure prepared, and a new damp-proof membrane, subfloor system and floor surface installed.

During the closure period, the museum team will also be preparing its most ambitious exhibition to date, showcasing coins from the nationally significant Chew Valley Hoard.

The Norman conquest coin hoard is currently being exhibited alongside the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London and returns next year to the county.

A temporary exhibition of the coins is planned at the museum during Spring 2027 with a diverse programme of events and activities taking place throughout Somerset.

In Spring 2028, the museum will be unveiling a new permanent gallery where all 2, 584 coins will be on display.

South West Heritage Trust chief executive Sam Astill said: “These works are essential to protecting one of Somerset's most important historic buildings and the remarkable collections it houses.

“The replacement of the Great Hall floor will address significant deterioration caused by damp and is a vital investment in the future of the Grade I listed Taunton Castle.

The internationally significant Chew Valley Hoard has been chosen to be exhibited alongside the Bayeux Tapestry.
The internationally significant Chew Valley Hoard is returning to the Museum of Somerset next year. (British Museum)

"By undertaking this work now, we can help safeguard the building and its collections for generations to come.

“At the same time, we're using this closure period as an opportunity to improve the visitor experience throughout the museum.

“Alongside the conservation works, we'll be enhancing our welcome area, shop and café, while refreshing interpretation and interactive displays.

“We're looking forward to welcoming visitors back in 2027 to enjoy these improvements and to experience our biggest exhibition to date, which will tell the story of the nationally significant Chew Valley Hoard.

“It promises to be a landmark year for the Museum of Somerset.”

The closure for refurbishment will take place in two stages from November 3 to 28 and from December 1 to early February/March 2027.

During November, the museum will remain open to visitors, although the Great Hall, including the Foundations Stones Gallery and Claiming the Land Gallery, will be closed while collections are carefully removed ahead of the works.

Visitors will still be able to explore the majority of the museum, enjoy the Courtyard Café, and visiting the Royal Photographic Society International Photography Exhibition 167.

From 1 December the museum will fully close to visitors while contractors carry out the improvement works.

The closure is expected to remain in place until late February or early March 2027, subject to the completion of the project.

Although the main museum building will be closed, Santa's Grotto will continue throughout December, in the Almshouse Grotto and Castle House.