A new museum, showcasing the UK’s rich glass-making history, has opened in the West Midlands, UK, as part of a multi-million-pound, multi-use development project
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 25 Apr 2023
Stourbridge Glass Museum forms part of a £7m mixed-use complex which was in development for 12 years
A new glass museum has opened in the West Midlands, UK.
The Stourbridge Glass Museum shares more than 400 years of local and national glassmaking history. Its collection includes antique glassmaking machinery and equipment, as well as the entirety of the world-renowned Stourbridge Glass collection, which consists of 10,000 objects, some of which date back to the 17th century.
It also features digital audio-visual (AV) displays, a children’s activity room and a hot glass studio offering live glassblowing demonstrations by resident glass artist Allister Malcolm.
The museum is operated by local charity - the British Glass Foundation with more than £1m (US$1.25m, €1.13m) funding provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It forms part of a £7m (US$8.73m, €7.9m) regeneration project, helmed by real estate company Complex Development Projects, which saw the Grade II-listed Stuart Glassworks building in Dudley transformed into a mixed-use development complete with office space and residences.
“We completed the restoration of the buildings some years ago and since then the British Glass Foundation has worked tirelessly to deliver an exceptional visitor attraction centred on their marvellous glass collection,” said Ian Harrabin, owner of Complex Development Projects.
“Working in true partnership, we have turned a derelict site into a world-class museum and I couldn’t be prouder of the end result creating an enriching and educating attraction for the visitors to enjoy for decades to come.”
Museums and galleries
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