May 1st 2024.
The museum has made it onto the shortlist for the 2024 Museum Of The Year award, which is a huge accomplishment. And what's even more exciting is that it's not located in the usual bustling city of London, but rather in the charming town of Skipton, North Yorkshire. This gem of a museum has caught the attention of many, especially literary fanatics, with its fascinating connection to the one and only William Shakespeare.
Nestled in the beautiful Grade II listed Skipton Town Hall, Craven Museum boasts a diverse collection that covers a wide range of topics such as archaeology, fine art, literature, textiles, and social history. But the real highlight of this museum is its prized possession - the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, printed back in 1623. This iconic collection of 36 plays is considered to be one of the most influential works in history, and only around 235 copies have been found worldwide. So it's no surprise that having this piece in their collection has put Craven Museum on the map.
Originally thought to be a Second Folio copy from 1632, it was only in 2003 that Shakespeare expert, Dr. Anthony West, uncovered the true identity of the copy - a First Folio. Since then, it has been on display at the museum, attracting visitors from all over. But the museum offers more than just Shakespeare's works. It also has rare prehistoric and Roman items on display, and visitors can even explore the nearby limestone caves of Craven.
But if Shakespeare and history aren't your cup of tea, don't worry, there's still plenty to see and do at Craven Museum. The Art Fund, which is responsible for the Museum Of The Year award, has shortlisted five museums from around the UK, and Craven Museum is one of them. The winner will be announced on July 10, and they will receive a whopping £120,000, while the four finalists will each be given £15,000. The focus of the Art Fund is on community engagement, sustainability, and innovation, all of which are evident in the programming at Craven Museum.
To get to Skipton from London, the best option is to travel by train. The Skipton Train Station is just a 10-minute walk from the museum, and there are regular trains from Leeds, Bradford, Carlisle, and Morecambe. Londoners can catch a train from King's Cross to Leeds and then connect to Skipton. The price of the journey varies depending on how far in advance you book, but it can be as low as £28.60 for a one-way journey, which takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes on average.
Aside from visiting the museum, Skipton also offers a charming market town experience. It has even been listed as one of the happiest places to live. So if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Skipton is the perfect destination. After exploring the museum, you can continue your historical journey by visiting the top-rated Skipton Castle. And for those who enjoy nature, Skipton Castle Woods is a must-visit. It's an ancient woodland managed by the Woodland Trust and offers a peaceful escape from the city. There are also other activities in the area, such as an afternoon tea cruise and family fun at Thornton Hall Country Park.
It's no doubt that Craven Museum is a must-visit destination, not just for its impressive collection but also for the beautiful town it's located in. And with the Museum Of The Year award just around the corner, it's an exciting time for the museum and its visitors. So if you're in the area, be sure to stop by and explore all that Craven Museum and Skipton have to offer.
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