Funded by the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the pop-up museum will open just in time for the Easter break.
Haverfordwest Town Museum temporally closed in 2023 in preparation for construction works at Haverfordwest Castle, to make way for the creation of a new flagship heritage attraction on the site.
While the museum eagerly awaits its new home, curator Simon Hancock and the museum’s volunteers say they are delighted with the new pop-up museum, located in the old GAME store within the Riverside Shopping Centre on the Eastern bank of the River Cleddau.
The pop up is likely to stay there until 2027 when it will move back into a refurbished home at Haverfordwest Castle as part of the new attraction.
The pop-up museum will be open 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm and open all year round including bank holidays (except Christmas and New Year).
The museum holds a wealth of hidden gems, revealing fascinating and little-known stories from Haverfordwest’s past.
Haverfordwest is a historic market town and Pembrokeshire’s administrative hub, with heritage assets such as the castle and multiple stories that reveal its Norman origins, its mediaeval history and more recently its role as a primary trading port, once rivalling Bristol. A number of notable people either came from or lived in Haverfordwest, for example Gwen John (1876-1939).
When you visit, expect to discover more on Haverfordwest’s interesting archaeology, including the recent exciting archaeological discovery of the Dominican Friary of St Saviours on the former Ocky White’s store site. There is a fascinating array of objects made in Haverfordwest during Victorian times and a case of locally-found treasures dating from medieval times.
The exhibition space will change regularly and includes digital and interactive displays as well as more traditional displays on a variety of themes including Haverfordwest Port, Castle and the Llewelyn Churn Works. There will also be a variety of paintings including some by artist David Lindley and a display on famous people of Haverfordwest – covering the wide variety including artists, musicians, explorers and athletes.
A new museum shop selling a range of Haverfordwest-themed products including biscuits, chocolates, fudge, tote bags, water bottles and lollipops will also be a part of the shopping centre pop-up.
Tim Evans, chair of trustees for Haverfordwest Town Museum said, “We are very excited about this new chapter in the museum’s life. It’s such a great opportunity for us, moving to a location where we will see a much larger footfall. We’re really hoping to engage and involve a whole new generation in the history of our special town.”
(Lead image: Pembrokeshire County Council)
