Home / Arts and Entertainment / End of an Era: Ironbridge Museums Hand Over to National Trust
End of an Era: Ironbridge Museums Hand Over to National Trust
22 Feb
Summary
- Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust's 59-year stewardship concludes next month.
- National Trust assumes control with a £9m government grant for upkeep.
- A special parade and ceremony at Blists Hill Victorian Town marks the transition.
After 59 years, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is concluding its stewardship of historic Industrial Revolution sites. The trust, founded in 1967, will officially transfer its 10 museums and 35 listed buildings to the National Trust next month. This transition marks the end of an era for the renowned collection in Shropshire.
A celebratory event is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Blists Hill Victorian Town, featuring a parade and ceremony. This gathering will honor the dedicated staff and their work with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. The event is exclusively for ticket holders and has already sold out.
The National Trust will assume management of these significant heritage properties, supported by a £9 million government grant. This funding is designated for the upkeep of the sites and aims to boost visitor engagement. Blists Hill Victorian Town will reopen under the National Trust's operation on March 2, 2026.
Activities such as candle-dipping, poster printing, and brick making were available to attendees of the farewell event. Other museum sites operated by the trust closed early on Sunday, starting at 3:00 PM GMT, in preparation for the upcoming handover.
