The UK’s Black Country Living Museum has opened a new facility for schools in order to offer more educational experiences.
Following the opening of the museum’s new visitor centre in September 2022, the former admissions building has been transformed into a learning centre.
Located in Dudley, West Midlands, the open-air museum‘s refurbished space will support young and adult learners. It will be used exclusively by visiting schools and colleges, providing workshops and lessons.
The learning facility includes two new classrooms, a lunch space and a gift shop. It also features a dedicated entrance and exit.
Additionally, the museum’s overflow carpark will be available for schools and groups during term time.
The museum worked with local architects TNM Design Group to renovate the building. Nick Chapman, TNM’s director, said the centre will serve as “an educational tool for visiting children and students alike”.
“As an educational charity, we value every single pupil who comes to visit us on a school trip to experience the history of the Black Country,” said Carol King, the Black Country Living Museum’s director of programmes.
She added: “Being able to provide a dedicated space to enhance their visit with workshops and sessions in new classrooms allows us to add value to the experience both for pupils and teachers.”
Educational tool for children
The facility was created with funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Clive Richards Foundation. The two new classrooms have been called the Clive Richards Room and the Weston Room.
The project is a key element of the museum’s £30 million ‘Forging Ahead’ project. Last year, the Black Country Living Museum was seeking old bottles of Babycham and Cherry B for the recreated Elephant & Castle pub.
Covering 26 acres, the Black Country Living Museum is the largest open-air museum in the UK. It features reconstructed shops, pubs and houses, and was used to film parts of Peaky Blinders.
Images: Black Country Living Museum
