What's on
Exhibitions and events in all our heritage buildings
Visit our iconic Guildhall
At the historic Guildhall you can glimpse Renaissance history and discover hidden treasures. The iconic bracket clock dominates the view along the High Street. It's been the subject of many images of the town.
The Grade I listed civic building dates to the 1550s. It's architecture is from Renaissance and Tudor periods. It's home to rare artefacts and exquisite artwork, including the civic plate. A darker chapter in its past saw it used as a courtroom. Trials were held behind its walls until as late as the 1970s.
Come along and explore the history of the Guildhall. Brought to life by stewards from the Friends of Guildford Museum and Guildford Town Guides.
Location: Guildhall
Dates: 2 May until 22 August 2023 (Tuesday's only)
Times: every Tuesday 10am until 2pm
Entry is free
The Guildhall is also available for hire. Find out more about hiring the Guildhall.
Cornelia Parker: One Day This Glass Will Break
The artist's latest experiments in photography and printmaking.
The exhibition includes twenty large-scale photogravures from three series. They have been brought together for the first time in this exhibition:
- Thirty Pieces of Silver (exposed) (2015)
- One Day This Glass Will Break (2015)
- Fox Talbot's Art
Location: Guildford House Gallery
Dates: Saturday 13 May - Saturday 10 June 2023
Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
A Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition from Southbank Centre, London
Cornelia Parker, One Day This Glass Will Break, from: One Day This Glass Will Break, 2015. Courtesy and © the artist and Alan Cristea Gallery, 2023. Photo: FXP Photography, London, 2015
Wild Wey Family Craft
Wild Wey is part of Wild Escape, a major new project uniting hundreds of museums and schools in a celebration of UK wildlife and creativity. Drop in during opening times to decorate colourful fish, flora and fauna. Take your artwork home or add it to our 3D river scene. Suitable for ages 4+.
Location: Guildford Museum
Entry is free
Find out more about The Wild Escape project.
The Wild Escape is made possible by lead support from Arts Council England's National Lottery Project Grants, with additional support from Art Fund.
Coins, Crowns and Kings Coronation Fun
Get ready for King Charles III's coronation with this family friendly interactive display. Stop by anytime to make a crown fit for a king (or queen) and take a selfie on our royal 'throne'. One of the things which changes with a new monarch is our coinage. Find out about some of the coins in the museum's collection from Roman times onwards.
Facilitated sessions:
- 31 May 12 noon - 1pm and 2pm - 3pm
No need to book just drop in. Suitable for all the family.
Coins, Crowns and Kings display
Location: Guildford Museum
Dates: 1 April to 17 June 2023
Times: Wednesday to Saturdays 12 noon to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Entry is free
Soldiers of Surrey
A display from the Surrey Infantry Collection
Guildford is the home of England's oldest infantry regiment: The Queen's Royal Regiment. It was raised in 1661 by King Charles II to garrison Tangier in Morocco. The display introduces The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment. It brings us the stories which connect the Regiment to Guildford and the people who live here.
The current display features Sergeant Bob Hatcher, a Guildford born soldier who served in the Malayan Emergency during his National Service.
Location: Guildford Museum
Dates: Available during opening hours
Image: Sgt Bob Hatcher, mymalayagallery.co.uk
On the Trail of Guildford's History
Be a history detective! Search Guildford Museum, Quarry Street and Guildford Castle Grounds to find clues which tell us about the past.
Download the trail. (PDF) [1MB]
Or pick up a copy from Guildford Museum. We are open Wednesday to Saturday midday to 4.30pm.
Finds Identification Sessions
Location: Guildford House, 155 High Street, Guildford
Dates: Second Saturday of the month
Next sessions:
- 13 May 10am to 12noon
- 10 June 10am to 12noon
Guildford Games Collection Project
Download the list of games we are collecting. (Excel doc) [19KB] Do you have any you would like to donate?
To find out more read our blog.
The Scullery Playroom
In the Scullery playroom children can:
- role play with the toy kitchen complete with colourful fabric food
- make a pizza and lay a table for dinner
- try washing the Victorian way
- join in with the traditional nursery rhymes printed on the walls
- colouring and activity sheets with pencils and crayons
- relax on a beanbag and read a washing or cooking themed book
- view our display of old cooking equipment
Children should be supervised in the room.
Location: Guildford Museum
The Scullery Playroom at Guildford Museum is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government through the Welcome Back Fund.
Coffee Time Talks
Join us, on the first Thursday of most months for an informative but relaxed talk on topics of local interest. This is a chance to meet with other people for coffee and chat followed by the talk. All talks are free but voluntary donations are welcome.
Pre-book your place by emailing heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk or telephoning 01483 444751.
Times: Doors open at 10.30am. Talks start at 11am and last for 50 minutes
Location: Guildhall, Guildford High Street
Kings, Worthies & Scoundrels
Date: Wednesday 3 May
Christopher Bell, Guildford Town Guide will be talking about 'Kings, Worthies & Scoundrels'. Guildford has been graced with celebrated visitors, including royalty, over the centuries due to its important position. The town has also had a copious number of its own worthies and scoundrels some of whom achieved national acclaim, others shame. Join Guildford Town Guide Christopher Bell to get the low down on some people who have made their mark.
Aspects of Shamley Green's Rural Economy
Date: Thursday 1 June
Join Michael Harding from Shamley Green History Society. His talk will range from feudalism, Black Death, agriculture and its associated industries to travel, commerce and social activities. He will show the impacts of change in a small Surrey village over past centuries.