Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

CHIPPENHAM MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE,
CHIPPENHAM
Set in an immaculate 18th-century townhouse and relating
the story of the town’s development since the prehistoric era
Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre is well worth a visit
when exploring the charming Georgian town of Chippenham.
ATWELL-WILSON MOTOR MUSEUM, CALNE
From unique classic cars and motorcycles to the rarer gems
of vintage racecars, visitors can expect an assortment of
remarkable vehicles that are simply oozing with nostalgia. It'll
be a chance to marvel at some truly remarkable relics from
motoring's illustrious past. Plus, don’t miss their annual Classic
Vehicle Show on the 9 July 2023.
BATH AND BRISTOL
AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS, BATH
Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding
views over the Limpley Stoke Valley on the edge of Bath
next to the University, the American Museum takes you on
a journey through American history, with its remarkable
collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only
museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was
founded to bring American history and cultures to the people
of Britain and Europe. Each year, special temporary exhibitions
are on display in their Exhibition Gallery. Don’t miss America In
Crisis showing from 11 March – 4 July 2023, a major American
photography exhibition exploring social change in the US
through the lens of a diverse group of artists. This captivating
exhibition features over 80 photographs by 39 top American
artists, from the 1960s till today.
THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, BATH
There’s a superb collection of fine and decorative arts to
be viewed at the Grade 1-listed The Holburne Museum,
who describe themselves as 'Changing Lives through Art',
by bringing the enjoyment of art to people of all ages and
from every walk of life. The Holburne was founded in 1882
with the gift of Sir William Holburne’s collection of 16th and
17th century Italian and Dutch paintings, silver, sculpture,
furniture, porcelain and diverse objets d’art of national
and international significance. That founding gift has been
augmented with a collection of 18th century paintings by
such artists as Gainsborough, Lawrence, Ramsay, Stubbs
and Zoffany. Set within the historic Sydney Pleasure
Gardens, The Holburne has secured a national reputation
as an outstanding museum which holds critically acclaimed
exhibitions. Don’t miss exhibitions for 2023 include a new
major exhibition looking at the role of portraiture in the
process of marriage in the Renaissance of Northern and
Southern Europe, Painted Love: Renaissance Marriage
Portraits at The Holburne, from 26 May – 1 October 2023
JANE AUSTEN CENTRE, BATH
Celebrating Bath’s most famous resident, The Jane Austen
Centre offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and
explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane
Austen’s life and writing. ‘Live’ Guides, costume, film, superb
giftshop and an authentic period atmosphere await you,
and don't forget to visit the Regency themed Tea Rooms on
the 2nd floor for a pot of real leaf tea and a slice of home
made cake with splendid rooftop views over the city. Plus
don't miss the Jane Austen Festival taking place from the
8-17 September 2023 - Ten wonderful days of celebrating all
things Austen in the beautiful city of Bath. →
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