It has a great collection of Edward Bawden prints/documents and other British artists, also very good displays of furniture with one room full of William Burgess, extraordinary stuff. Also Pugin and other similar designers, all displayed in modern surroundings in the restaurant/castle area of Bedford. John Bunyan museum over road, which is free, did not go into though due to time
We spent an hour or so there but you could spend much longer if you had the time, or plan to go back like we are. The girl on reception was so welcoming and asked if we would like some leaflets on things to do with the kids in the holls...she wasn't pushy but had lots of ideas and information. We were left to wander round, this is a fantastic place now it's been refurbished. We liked the fact it had kept part of the old house as part of the museum and had different exhibitions and unusual things to look at. There is a cafe next to the museum that looked really lovely, although we didn't visit this time I will when we go back. Definitely well worth a visit
Not been to this museum for several years and it has changed dramatically since the alterations and rebranding. Friendly welcome. Free admission. So much to see and of interest. About the town and its history. Local things, manufacturing in the town. Airships, old transport all in a new extension and the original brewery-owner's home. The important collection of work by the artist/designer Edward Bawden alone is worth the journey. Good small shop and cafe complete the visit.
Newly refurbished art gallery and museum.Good history of Bedford from pre Vikings to present day including the amazing part this area played during the first and second world wars.Fine collection of furniture, porcelain and glass. Lots of interaction for children. Nice gift shop and cafe.
Changing exhibitions make this a place to re visit often. Particularly interesting at the moment is a WW1 exhibition featuring the Scottish Highlanders division who were stationed in Bedford during that time. There is a great little film in the gallery which shows local footage and inc. music performed by Bedford choral societies with specially composed music by a local composer. Excellent!
Enjoyed our visit to the Bedford Higgins Museum very much. We went specifically for Edward Bawden's art exhibition - graphic artist from 1920s to 1960s, but the rest of the museum is very interesting too. Nicely refurbished, and easy to understand exhibitions with good labelling and layouts. Friendly staff. Exhibitions all free. It faces the river, right next to the remains of the mound of Bedford's castle.
Recently refurbished The Higgins is a delight. A museum concentrates on local history which is beautifully displayed with lots of hands on exhibits. There are frequent special events, many for children. When we went one was invited to draw on the wall! An urban landscape had been painted on three walls and coloured pens were provided for you to add your own features. The Art Gallery displays paintings, porcelain and furniture. The whole place is not too big and so you don' get overwhelmed.
Free Great museum that has been totally renovated, with art work and history of Bedford , with history of Beer in the area. Nice cafe and will take good afternoon to visit.
This is a wonderful Museum to visit when your visiting Bedford. It is free to visit. It has many things to see and read about. It has a Gallery too for visiting. There are things for children to do in various parts of the Museum which is very good. It has various things in draws and behind little doors that you can read as to what they are. It has also got places that you can stand with headphones and listen to information. It has a very small gift shop in the foyer as you go in or out. It also has a café to visit for refreshments.
The Higgins rebranding has been successful - the old house style had its merits but this modern space has a better feel and reflects the multicultural community of Bedford in a way the old style never did - the whole area around the museum all adds to a worthwhile visit.