The Higgins Bedford is reopening its doors and to visitors back on 18th May, following the easing of national restrictions. 

The museum will return to its usual opening hours of Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm and Sunday 2pm – 5pm.

Measures remain place for the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff. This includes reducing the capacity of the museum to ensure that people can socially distance. Visitors will need to book a free, timed entry ticket online in advance by visiting www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or by calling 01234 718044 (line open 11am-3pm Monday-Friday). 

Everyone visiting The Higgins Bedford must wear a face covering, except for children under 11 or for the legitimate reasons set out in Government guidance. Visitors must only visit in groups of up to six people or two households.

What’s On

Four Figures Waiting by Barbara Hepworth is now on permanent display and features an audio description which can be accessed through a QR code in the gallery. Chosen as one of 25 museums across the UK to have an audio description recorded about a sculpture in the collection by VocalEyes, an organisation who provides access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people, The Higgins Bedford is pleased to announce a new addition to the galleries.

Under the Same Sky explores artists’ depictions of the sky above and the local impact of the weather over time, and runs until 27th June 2021. It combines works by major artists including JMW Turner, Alfred Sisley, Paul Nash, Edouard Manet and Eric Ravilious, with film, images and local stories, culminating in a reflection of our fascination with the weather and its effects on the world around us.

Over 20 sculptures from the Cecil Higgins Collection are on display until 10th October 2021, featuring works by Auguste Renoir, Henry Moore and Jacob Epstein. These range from traditional portrait busts to abstract works, with a number being on public display for the first time in several years.

Innovation and Tradition: 40 Years of Morris presents the story of Redbornstoke Morris and Bedfordshire Lace Morris teams, exploring themes of tradition and innovation. Both teams have innovated the tradition of folk dance to reflect the values of modern society, with Redbornstoke Morris developing their own dances and Bedfordshire Lace Morris becoming the first women’s Morris team in the county. The display runs until early 2023.

As well as being able to visit the galleries, the museum shop will be open with a range of items inspired by the collections, including gifts, cards, tea towels, books, toys and jigsaws. 

The Higgins Pantry café has already reopened for outside dining and will now be offering inside dining (opening times can be found at  www.thehigginspantry.co.uk