Behind the scenes in Malvern Museum
Our small, independent museum is located in the centre of Great Malvern, within 5 minutes walk of Malvern Priory and the Tourist Information Centre. The museum is a registered charity, and is run entirely by enthusiastic and friendly volunteers.
Malvern Museum Society
Malvern Museum Society was formed in 1978. The role of the Society includes protecting the museum’s legal and charitable status, its property and long-term interests. Since 1980 it has been responsible for the ancient Priory Gatehouse. The Gatehouse has benefitted from two restoration programmes since 1980 when stonework, roof and windows were repaired. In 2012 the Society began another major programme of conservation and repair.
Friends of Malvern Museum
This body began life as the Museum Association but the present title better reflects its role. It is made up of all members of the museum. They meet annually to appoint a committee and approve the accounts and decisions affecting the membership and the museum’s future.
The Museum Management Committee
This committee comprises all the officers from the Society and the Friends. It meets every two months and its role is primarily to manage the day to day running of the museum.
Achievements
Malvern Museum is a member of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM). Our work is supported by staff at Worcestershire County Museum.
The museum was awarded full accreditation in 2009 by Museums, Libraries and Archives (MLA). We repeated this achievement in 2013 and again in 2017, although the awarding body is now Arts Council England (ACE). Accreditation provides evidence that the museum meets professional standards. These national standards cover governance, caring for collections, and visitors’ services.
In 2010 the museum won the Outstanding Volunteer-run Museum Award in the West Midlands, acknowledging the cheerful, efficient efforts of all our volunteers.
Job Vacancies
We are always looking for more volunteers! Stewards are needed every morning and afternoon to greet visitors and offer support. Both the Society and Friends have vacancies. If anyone is interested in getting involved with any of these practical aspects of managing a museum and its collections please contact us! Previous experience is not essential, just an enthusiastic interest in all things old…and modern!
Accessibility
The gatehouse is an ancient monument and access to the upper rooms is limited – being via a narrow, spiral staircase with sturdy handrails.
A ramp is available for wheelchair access to the ground floor display area, which includes a ‘virtual tour’ computer display for visitors.
Please contact us for further details or if you have any specific requirements.