20-07-2025
Last chance to visit solider exhibition before big museum move
VISITORS have a last chance to visit an exhibition about county soldiers before it closes and moves to a new base.
The Worcestershire Soldier Gallery at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum in Foregate Street in Worcester will close on August 31.
This is the last chance to visit the current exhibition ahead of the creation of a brand-new exhibition planned for The Commandery in Sidbury, Worcester.
The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and on Sundays between 10am and 3pm. It is closed on Mondays and bank holidays.
Bringing together the collections of the Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire) and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Museum, the free to visit Worcestershire Soldier Gallery tells the stories of soldiers who have served in local regiments from 1694 to the present day.
Helen Hunter, Collections Manager, The Mercian Regiment Museum, said: 'The current exhibition, opened by Princess Royal in September 2003, brought highlights of the Regimental collections, formerly held at Norton Barracks, into the heart of the city for the public to enjoy. Now is the time to re-visit your favourites in the exhibition ahead of our planned closure and move to The Commandery.'
Stamford Cartwright, Curator of the Worcestershire Yeomanry museum added: 'Whether your favourites are the Yeomanry propellor and pear blossom OR the medal of Black Drummer John Freeman, the detailed Sikh jacket or the Victoria Crosses of the Regiment, this is your last chance to see them in their current home.'
The Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery will see the creation of a brand-new exhibition of Worcester's regimental displays. This exhibition will secure the future of the gallery as well as bring the Worcestershire Soldier's story into the heart of Worcester's heritage quarter. In doing so this provides an opportunity to redevelop the current displays, which have been in place for over twenty years. It is anticipated that the new galleries will open in early 2028.
The Worcestershire Soldier at The Commandery, funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund will create an engaging and educational space that celebrates the rich military history of Worcestershire, with a focus on the experience of its soldiers. The project has also received generous support from the UK Government's Townsfund.
