Grosvenor Museum Guide

Ground Floor

Exhibition Gallery 1

The first of 2 special exhibition galleries with exhibitions developed from the museum's collections, through the local community, artists and other museums and galleries. 

Chester Timeline

Discover the History of Chester by following the Chester Timeline through a fascinating computer-generated film covering 2000 years of Cestrian history.

Roman Chester

Officially named the Newstead Gallery (after the museum's first curator), this was originally opened in 1952. The gallery tells the story of Roman Chester including the Roman legion and its fortress, coinage, pottery, glass, religion, trade and everyday life. Dr. Graham Webster, who created the original gallery, opened the current displays in 1987.

Roman Stones

The Webster Roman Stones Gallery was opened by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales in 1992. The gallery is named after Graham Webster, curator of the Museum from 1948 to 1957. The tombstones on display tell you something about the lives of the soldiers, slaves, women and children who lived in Chester during the Roman Empire.

Second Floor

Exhibition Gallery 2

The smaller of two special exhibition galleries developed from the museum's collections, through the local community, artists and other museums and galleries. Please note: This gallery is on the first floor and there is no disabled access. 

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery was opened in 1989 by Sir Timothy Clifford, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland. Most of the Museum's finest paintings are shown here, along with sculpture and furniture. Please note: This gallery is on the first floor and there is no disabled access. 

Silver Gallery

The Ridgway Silver Gallery was opened by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales in 1992. The gallery is named after Canon Maurice Ridgway, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the study of Chester silver. On display is the Museum's superb permanent collection of silver. Please note: This gallery is on the first floor and there is no disabled access. 

Natural History Gallery 

The Kingsley Natural History Gallery was opened in 1994. It is named after the Reverend Charles Kingsley, author of 'The Water Babies'. The gallery covers the history of Chester's Victorian naturalists, local species, geology and local environmental projects. Please note: This gallery is on the first floor and there is no disabled access. 

Period House (orange areas - all floors)

The Period House, has rooms on three floors dedicated to significant periods in history. The rooms are themed around everyday life, and highlight the different living conditions through the centuries. Please note: You will find the parlour, entrance hall and kitchen on the ground floor. Other rooms are on the first and second floor and there is no disabled access.

1900 Kitchen

A typical Victorian kitchen with its fine range for cooking and impressive dresser. Here you will find Mary the maid of all work who will tell you about her working day.

Victorian Parlour

This room depicts a typical middle-class home of the 1870's. The Victorian era was a period of invention and innovation. Advances in technology, transport and manufacturing changed the face of Britain forever. There were also improvements in health, sanitation and education. The Victorian home provided a sanctuary from this rapidly changing world.

Georgian Drawing Room

Entertaining guests at home and receiving calls was also an important part of 18^th Century life. Visitors would be entertained in the drawing room, situated on the first floor. Although panelled for warmth, the room was painted in light colours.

Stuart Dining Room

This small panelled room illustrates life in a typical middle-class household during the relative stability of the late 17^th Century. The main rooms of the house were panelled to provide warmth, with long heavy curtains covering the windows. The floor was of bare, polished boards, sometimes strewn with rushes. Carpets were very expensive and were only found in the richest of households.

Victorian School Room

This small room depicts a typical schoolroom from the late 1890's. It is full of souvenirs from the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897 when she celebrated 60 years on the throne.

1920's Nursery

Attitudes were changing after the First World War. Life was more relaxed compared to thirty years before. Wives were now taking responsibility for looking after the home and the children. Nurseries located at the top of the house were still common, but now mother played with the children.

Edwardian Bathroom

This room depicts a typical bathroom of about 1910. The bathroom proper began to develop from the 1870's onwards when circulating water systems finally made piped water to upper floors possible. Water was heated by the kitchen range and piped upstairs.