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The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

Museum | Norwich | England | United Kingdom

Norwich industrial history museum

The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is a fascinating museum that focuses on the industrial past and history of Norwich. It is located in a historic building, the former Bridewell, which was used as a prison in the 16th century and later as a work and training facility. This history is directly integrated into the museum's exhibitions.

Historic building visitor information

The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the development of Norwich as a center for the textile industry and trade, especially during the Industrial Revolution. Highlights include exhibits that document the craftsmanship, work of people in the textile industry, and social changes over time. The museum also showcases the history of textiles, the development of factories, and the lives of workers who shaped the city's economy.

Textile industry development Norwich

In addition to industrial history, the museum also houses collections on the history of everyday items and the development of crafts and trades. In various exhibition areas, visitors can see historical tools, machines, and products from past centuries that reflect the tumultuous history of the place.

Interactive exhibitions at museum

The museum also emphasizes interactivity and offers various ways to learn more about historical Norwich. It regularly organizes special exhibitions and events that bring Norwich's history to life.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Wild Man, 5 Bridewell Alley
NR2 1AQ Norwich

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday--
Monday--
Tuesday10:00 - 16:30
Wednesday10:00 - 16:30
Thursday10:00 - 16:30
Friday10:00 - 16:30
Saturday10:00 - 16:30

Reviews

332 Reviews

Huiling Zhang
15.01.2025

Modern and varied, this museum boasts many interactive displays. My only quibble (again) is that most texts are lengthy and in small fonts. Luckily they provide large prints for each room.
T D
25.12.2024

Well worth the visit. We were given a free voucher to attend after visiting the nearby Norwich Castle and were pleased we took up the offer. There is a lot to see, with an interesting history of the the industrial development of Norwich. Suitable for children and adults, with some props for photos and a laugh if you wish.
shnye
12.12.2024

so much history in this museum it was very unexpected, 11/5
Frariannys Camacaro
28.10.2024

Absolutely love this place! The variety of products is impressive, and everything is so fresh. Perfect for all your Korean cooking needs!
Ashish Naik
13.10.2024

It's nice place to understand the history of Norwich and its development. Small but covers various information on the main topics.
Helen Gidlow
01.10.2024

This is a nice place to visit plenty of things to look at. They is toilets here. I would recommend going to this place. The price was just over £7.00 per adult
Hope „Slug“ Faith
22.08.2024

First time visiting With my daughter We absolutely loved it Would definitely recommend If you like finding out the history Of norfolk this is the place to go
Hedde van Hoorn
17.08.2024

Wonderful history museum with lots of fun stuff for kids and the friendliest staff
Karen Gower
13.08.2024

Enjoyed a couple of hours learning about the history of this fine city. Packs a lot in a fairly compact space. Definitely recommend for all ages.
Jon-Cameron Bates (Gadgetologist)
11.08.2024

Had a guided tour of the undercroft and it was very informative, with our friendly guide being quite the entertainer! This included entry to the museum, afterwards which was also very interesting. The museum is small but there is still enough to see. It's nicely laid out and there are some really quirky things to look at. If you have time, check out the flint wall at the side of the building. The craftsmanship is outstanding.
Tracey Hallam
11.08.2024

Amazing place to visit. So much to see with lots of information for Adults and children. Cost is very reasonable. Staff are very welcoming so helpful and friendly.
Ryan Horne
27.07.2024

The castle museum was closed which put us off. That being said, the museum was very thorough and detailed in the medieval to modern Norwich.
Raymond Valiant
18.07.2024

An informative and interactive museum offering glimpse into the rich history of Norwich. Two levels of this museum are equipped with rooms that has its own thematic presentation. Visitors are taken from the Anglo-Saxon past, medieval period, until the post-industrialisation era, in each room. I personally enjoyed my visit to this museum.
Rebecca Clemenz
09.07.2024

Really interesting and fun museum. The children especially enjoyed dressing up.
Caroline
28.06.2024

Fascinating place to visit.... Especially having enjoyed a fabulous experience on a course, organised by 'artatwork', (expert, Holly) in conjunction with this museum and it's curator, inspiring Hannah, concerning the pattern books and weaving - 1700:1830...... Feeling very fortunate and enabled..... Thank-you 🌞🌞🌞🤣🤣🤣🌻🥂🖼️🎨🖌️🖍️🪡🧶
sean dutchman-bailey
22.06.2024

Great back story of Norwich. The kids had a great time
Bob Burch
12.06.2024

We received free entry here as a package for visiting the Castle Museum, as the actual Castle is closed for renovations. This museum is very good. Whilst we are not from Norwich, exhibits were very interesting, particularly those from the last century, as they are relatable. I didn't realise that Norwich was such a happening city back in the day, even though I lived <70 miles away for half my life. I would imagine this museum must be very popular with old geezers like me, and inquisitive school children with an interest in 'yesterday'. Highly recommended.
Anna Mead
02.06.2024

Beautiful small museum 😍 Here I found an answer to the question why Stranger Hall called this way. We visited on Saturday (1 June), but it wasn't busy.
Thilange Mahapatune
04.05.2024

A small museum which have two full floors of city's industrial history from the beginning of the point of time these days there is a discount that u will get free tickets to visit this museum if you buy tickets to see nowitch Castle and museum . There are lots of interactive galaries which kids love will visit another time
Andrew T
25.04.2024

Really good museum detailing the history of the city, it's business and people. The old pharmacy is a highlight.
Daniella Bradbury
18.04.2024

Great museum, perfect for couple's, families and children or to have look round by yourself. Two floors with lift available. Objects, artifacts, clothes etc from Norwich in the 17th century to 21st century. Plenty to get involved with such as looking at maps, hearing & watching stories & also dressing up
Andrew Rands
28.03.2024

Very interesting museum in terms of exhibits and the building itself. Well laid out. Spent 1½ hours there: would have stayed longer, but we had a train to catch!
Luke Benson
20.03.2024

I came here on a random Tuesday morning with my wife, sister, and toddler daughter. The museum is expensive for what it is - £7 per adult. On reflection I wouldn't say the museum quite justified this cost of admission. The exhibits are interesting but nothing exciting. Probably worth it for history buffs, but probably not casuals like me!
Sarah Denton
11.03.2024

Interesting insight to Norwich past. Well worth a visit
James Anderson
11.03.2024

Great museum. If you like museums this museum will be perfect. In all seriousness it's a great not so little museum with the best chemist / apothecary display ever in the history of this sort of thing. Really is amazing. The staff are helpful and pleasant and I had a most pleasant time being surprised at how good it was.
Terry Deamer
02.03.2024

Well worth a visit. Fabulous old mansion, extended over the centuries with many artefacts from the past to the present to interest young and old alike.

 

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