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Things to see and do at Pontefract Museum

We are currently creating our next feature exhibition in the temporary gallery. This means the temporary gallery space is closed and there may be some noise. While we will try to keep this noise to a minimum, some will be unavoidable.

The rest of the museum is open as normal during this time.

The exhibition ‘Oh, Yes it is! 75 years of the St Giles with St Mary’s Pantomime Society’ will open on Monday 18 November 2024.

Step inside our beautiful art nouveau building and find out more about the rich history of Pontefract. From liquorice to glass making, we have lots to show you.

Download our theme map to find out what to expect in the Museum.

Ackworth Hoard

A hoard full of gold and silver coins and a gold ring

The Ackworth Hoard was found buried in a garden in Wakefield, inside a pot made locally in Wrenthorpe.

This 200-year-old hoard is the only one found in the Wakefield District. It’s made up of almost 600 gold and silver coins and one gold ring and can be linked to Royalist troops during the English Civil Wars.

Ballot Box

A ballot box kept in a glass cage

Britain’s first secret ballot was held in Pontefract in 1872 and we have the first ballot box on display in Pontefract Museum. 

Download a comic about the first ballot created thanks to a collaboration between Wakefield Council and artist Jade Sarson

We have a regular programme of events and activities at the Museum throughout the year. Click here for info on upcoming events.

All Press and Media enquiries for any of our sites should be made to the Press Office at pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk

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