Yorkshire

The museum has regular temporary exhibitions and a lively programme of workshops and events. It is also home to the Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum. Visitors to the Duke Museum can experience war 'through soldiers’ eyes'. Hear Duke's soldiers recall their experiences and exploits; from 1939 by the soldiers themselves and before 1939 through the voices of actors reading from letters and diaries.

The Museum is set in the attractive surroundings of Akroyd Park and the Akroydon village conservation area. This Victorian mansion was the home of local mill owner, philanthropist, MP and founder of the Yorkshire Penny Bank, Colonel Edward Akroyd. In 1887 the house was sold to the Halifax Corporation and converted to a museum and branch library. Surviving original features include the imposing entrance hall, painted ceilings, wall decoration, marble fireplaces and private chapel.
The Museum’s friendly and informative staff will be pleased to welcome you to Bankfield and help ensure you have an enjoyable visit.

Exhibitions and Displays

• World of Textiles Gallery - a showcase of textile production from around the world.
• Toy Gallery - whether you remember Muffin the Mule or the Teletubbies this gallery will get you talking.
• Costume Gallery - Displaying a selection of the museum’s extensive and nationally important collection of clothing and textiles from across the world.
• Duke of Wellington’s Regiment Museum - discover the real stories of the soldiers who served in the regiment. See an original pair of Wellington’s boots!
• Temporary exhibition gallery – home to our programme of regularly changing exhibitions.
• Community exhibition space - used by local schools and community groups to exhibit work, often inspired by the museum and its collections.
• To mark the centenary of the First World War, Bankfield Museum will be opening a new exhibition and series of events from August next year. We aim to record and share experiences of what was life was like in the region between 1914 to 1918; for those who served, stayed at home, did war work, or were in school, to remind us of the region's contribution to the war and the impact of the war on the area.

Also available:

• Trails and quizzes for children
• Small, well stocked shop
• Coffee machine
• Seating areas
• Local Library.

Admission: FREE
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-4pm
Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-4pm
Last admission is ½ hour before closing time.

Accessibility:
Wheelchair access to ground floor only
Handling boxes for visually impaired visitors available
Please contact prior to visit if you have special needs; staff will be glad to help.