22-05-2025
Museum centrepiece missing for five years seems finally set to return
An iconic museum centrepiece that has been missing for years could soon be back.
The hugely popular Indian gharial, nicknamed Apsley, has not been seen by Swindonians since the borough's art gallery and museum closed for the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.
But she could well be on her way back home.
Swindon Borough Council, which opened a renewed gallery and museum without Apsley in the upper storey of its civic offices in Euclid Street last year is certainly serving up some teasers.
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A posting on the authority's Facebook page showed a dramatic picture of the 20-foot crocodile from its fishy prey's perspective, giving a close-up view of Apsley's rows of razor-sharp teeth under the legend 'it's been a while crocodile… Coming soon to Museum & Art Swindon.'
It has also posted a cryptic video: A (slightly shaky) camera travels from Apsley House in Old Town to the civic offices, welcomed by council leader Councillor Jim Robbins and the recent Mayor Imtiyaz Shaikh, and up to the door of the museum.
Coming Soon: Swindon's most famous resident returns to Museum & Art Swindon 🐊🏛️
— Swindon Borough Council (@SwindonCouncil) May 21, 2025
The caption says: 'Coming soon: Swindon's most famous resident returns to Museum & Art Swindon.'
Assuming that the caption isn't suggesting Diana Dors or Billie Piper are soon to move into the civic offices, it seems likely it's another clue to the gharial's return.
