Like all indoor British/UK attractions the British Motor Museum will not be allowed to open its doors and welcome visitors this Easter, but they have not let this deter them! Instead they have put together a programme of activities and events that everyone can enjoy – bringing the Museum to people’s homes.Throughout April families can enjoy their own 6 minute taster tour of the Museum and meet some of the cars and characters that they can see when the Museum reopens. There is also a host of online family Easter and April activities that focus around the fabulous 1923 big red London Bus that resides on the Museum’s Time Road and is kindly on long-term loan from the London Transport Museum.
Activities include an Easter themed colouring in sheet inspired by the 1923 London Bus, a spot the difference activity, and an online jigsaw of a bus in 1972 - families are encouraged to discuss the differences between this bus and buses today, including how the passengers are dressed – there are some great 70s fashions! The virtual tour and activities are all available online - just click here.
Families with children under the age of 5 can enjoy the April Mini Motorists story time - ‘Bessie the Bus’ written by James Ellison (a member of the Learning team) and narrated and illustrated by Graham Robson (one of the Museum’s volunteers). It is available to watch online anytime in April - just click here. The Mini Motorists toddler sessions will continue online every month until later in the summer when the Museum hopes to bring them back in person in the Museum. They will then take place every 3rd Monday of the month and are a great morning activity for parents and carers to explore the Museum with the child friendly guides.
Grown-ups and motoring enthusiasts can take part in the free online discussion about the Canley Car Factory on Tuesday 6 April from 2pm to 3pm. The talk will showcase some of the many Canley documents from their Archive and discuss how the company looked after its workers with sickness and benevolent funds. Discussing the work of the unions and its charity drives for schools and hospitals, plus share some of the poignant photographs of the last cars made on the production line. The Museum has plenty to share at this event, but would also love to hear peoples stories and are encouraging anyone who lived around, or worked in, Canley to join this discussion as these stories will be inspiration for the Museum’s next exhibition.
The Museum will continue to monitor the Government advice but it hopes to reopen on Monday 17 May. 2021 admission prices will remain the same as in 2020 and are: Adults £14.50, Children £9 (5-16 years), under 5’s free, Concessions £12.50 and a Family ticket £40 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Annual passes will automatically be extended by the number of days that the Museum was closed and all visitors are reminded that in line with the Museum’s new policy, everyone, including those with annual passes, must pre-book their tickets and time slot, and provide contact details so that they can be contacted if there are any changes to opening. For more information please click here.