Taunton Museum





I was very impressed with Taunton Museum. Usually local museums cannot compete with big city museums but Taunton museum really excels in the design of the building and its exhibits. This museum doesn't appear to have won only an award for the building but not for its exhibits. I would happily nominate this museum for 'Museum of the Year'



 

 

At the entrance to Taunton Museum. I have to admit that the above is not one of my photos. My exterior shots didn't work out so I borrowed this one from the museum's website.

Just before the museum entrance is this reconstructed almhouse

This is the sight that first greets you as you enter the museum. Quite a spooky tree sculpture and would be a good venue for storytelling!

A floor mosaic from a Roman villa near Taunton. It features the tragic story of Dido and Aeneas in five graphic panels. On the screen you can see an actress playing Dido and telling her story.

Above two photos show the lovely upper floor of the museum.

A Roman treasure trove of silver coins found in Somerset

Very eerie display in the 'Making Somerset' display

Beautiful statue in the same display

Very interesting room with local inscriptions and quotes decorating the walls

Statue and poster illustrating John Speke who discovered the source of the River Nile

No visit to a Somerset museum would be complete without a display of cider drinking tankards

Even this small display of Victorian bicycles is so well lit as to give great credit to the museum's designer

These two photos show the 'Bloody Assizes' where more than a thousand people were sentenced to death by Judge Jeffreys also known as the 'Hanging Judge'

Last glimpse of the Museum as you leave