Exhibitions
The Museum displays around 5% of its eclectic collections in two permanent display galleries across two floors, both fully accessible. In addition, we deliver a rolling programme of diverse and engaging temporary exibitions throughout the year in our special exhibitions gallery. This provides an opportunity to learn about and enjoy some of the other items from our vast collection.
Exhibitions
- 30th September 2023 - 4th February 2024
A is for Armadillo
Discover a world of animals – from extraordinary creatures to familiar friends – as we explore our relationship with animals, and how their image and characteristics have captured the imagination of artists and craftspeople for thousands of years.
Exhibitions
- 18th July – 15th October 2023
A Lot of Hot Air
Float through four centuries of ballooning in Hertfordshire, from the earliest manned flight over England in 1784, and the daring exploits of nineteenth century aeronauts, through the Zeppelin threats of the First World War, to modern-day ballooning escapades in Hertford.
Exhibitions
- Permanent Displays
The Early Days
A display of how they used to collect in the 19th Century, including Natural History and Ethnography which are no longer actively collected by Hertford Museum. However, an important part in the museum’s early history was sharing the wonders of the natural world with local people and this section showcases some of these specimens from around the world. Equally, the museum’s first collectors brought items to illustrate the culture of other societies for the people of Hertford (ethnographic collection). Some of these items include Samurai Armour, a scrimshaw, Egyptian sculpture and a Greek lekythos.
Exhibitions
- Permanent Displays
The History of Hertford
From prehistoric times to today, the first-floor gallery includes a number of displays to tell the story of Hertford and its surrounding villages. Childhood, health and well-being, sports, shopping and much more. There is a section dedicated to famous Hertfordians and another to Hertford at War, including Hertfordshire Regiment collections.
Past Exhibitions
Past Exhibitions
- 4th April - 9th July 2023
Hertford Art Society: Painting Sale in Aid of Hertford Museum
Your chance to own an original painting and support Hertford Museum at the same time! With thanks to Hertford Arts Society for donating their work.
Past Exhibitions
- 6th May - 10th September 2023
Sunshine on Sele
From farmland on the edge of Hertford to a close knit community with its own unique identity, discover the stories of the pioneers who made Sele Farm their home.
Find out how the estate has continued to develop, and what it is like to live and grow up there today.
Past Exhibitions
- 16th December - 16th April 2023
The Proof of the Pudding Stone: Geology and Climate Change
Utilising Hertford Museum’s extensive geology collection, including Hertfordshire’s native puddingstone, to help understand the past, present and future of the earth’s climate.
Its Free! Donations welcome!
Past Exhibitions
- 16th November 2022 - 26th March 2023
Hertford is My Home
Thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hertford Museum has recorded the stories of people who have made a home here.
Discover what drew people to Hertford and how they have settled in to and contributed to our communities.
Visit the second phase of the exhibition at the museum and ONLINE at http://hertfordmuseum.org
Past Exhibitions
- From 25th June 2022
Where Once We Stood: Hertford’s Lost Buildings
Discover lost architectural glories and buildings we were glad to see the back of and find out about some of the people who lived and worked in them.
Past Exhibitions
- 24th May - 14th August 2022
Panshanger
Discover the history of one of Hertford’s best loved parks with this guest exhibition from the Friends of Panshanger Park.
Don’t miss the series of accompanying talks: Talking Panshanger
Past Exhibitions
- 12th February - 12th June 2022
River Town
Discover how Hertford’s four rivers have shaped and developed how generations of people lived, worked and played. Illustrated by an eclectic wealth of collections.
Free. Drop in!
Past Exhibitions
- From 5th October 2021
A Stroll in the Country: Watercolours of John Henry Buckingham
Discover the rural past of Hertfordshire’s only city, as captured by St Albans artist John Henry Buckingham (1800-1881), illustrated with his beautiful watercolours collected by the museum founders.
Past Exhibitions
- 16th October 2021 - 30th January 2022
Dissent: Stories of Activitism in Hertford
16th October 2021 – 30th January 2022
Discover stories of Hertford Activism, from global campaigns to grass roots dissent in this new exhibition at Hertford Museum.
Free, drop-in
Past Exhibitions
- Past Exhibitions
Bill Clarke’s Hertford
Exhibition extended until October 2021, featuring three new watercolours of iconic Hertford buildings!
Watercolours by local artist and musician Bill Clarke, taking a quirky look at some of Hertford’s most iconic buildings.
Past Exhibitions
- Past Exhibitions
Here Come the Brides!
Visitors were inspired by some of the beautiful wedding gowns in our collections as we explored the cult of the bride and discovered why we all love a wedding!
Past Exhibitions
- Past Exhibitions
High Streets & Hedgerows: Bayford & Little Berkhamsted
The fascinating history of these two delightful villages and the stories of the people who lived and worked there were the focus of this exhibition.
You can still visit the exhibition online.
Past Exhibitions
- Past Exhibitions
DANAD: Mavericks of Marden Hill
Discover the amazing story of the pop art pioneers who turned a crumbling Georgian mansion into a unique residential community of creatives. Featuring original works by artists including Tom Adams, Sir Peter Blake, Bernard Cohen, Barry Daniels, Robyn Denny and Edward Wright.
This exhibition has been generously supported by a grant from the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund and by the Government Indemnity Scheme.