KIDDERMINSTER’S Museum of Carpet will be re-opening this half term as discussions for a possible new museum for the town progress.
The museum at Stour Vale Mill, Kidderminster, which has served as a centre of learning, culture, and heritage, was thought to have closed for the final time last month after ‘significant financial challenges.’
However, an outpouring of public support for saving the venue, the only one of its kind in Britain, has led to volunteers holding discussions to open the museum as much as possible in the coming months.
It has been decided the Museum will open during February school half term between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, February 14 Tuesday, February 17, Thursday, February 19 and Saturday, February 21.
Trustees are also looking at possibilities for support and funding for the development of a new Museum for Kidderminster.
A spokesperson for the Carpet Museum Trust, which opened and ran the venue, said: “The Carpet Museum Trust can confirm trustees and volunteers have met to discuss options for the Museum of Carpet in 2026.
“Volunteers expressed great enthusiasm and commitment to open the Museum as much as possible in the coming months.
“Entry during half term will be free but access to special events and talks may be charged extra.
“Meanwhile, discussions continue on support and funding for the development of a new Museum for Kidderminster. It is hoped that a statement of how this will progress will be made in the next few weeks.
“Thank you once more for all the support and good wishes for the fight to provide Kidderminster with a Museum its heritage justly deserves.”
The museum holds a large collection of images and records relating to the town’s carpet industry, and it also hosts a wide range of activities, events, and workshops.
It opened in 2012 and is the only museum in the UK dedicated to carpet and carpet making.
The Carpet Museum Trust was founded in 1981 with the aim of establishing a public museum full of items of local historical and educational interest.
The Trust remains responsible for the management of the museum’s archives, displays, and collections.
