Reviews of The Higgins Bedford. (Museum) in Bedford (Bedfordshire).

The Higgins Bedford

339 Reviews

198 Comments

Museum

Art gallery

Castle Ln, Bedford MK40 3XD, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Higgins Bedford, Museum in Bedford (Bedfordshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Open hours of The Higgins Bedford

Popular times

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Reviews of The Higgins Bedford

S. H.

Fantastic museum in an interesting building. Lots to learn about the history of Bedford and the collections of the Higgins family, which includes some impressive art and furniture. The cafe joined to the museum is also excellent; very good pizza and Italian food.

T. A. W.

Great free museum showing off art, old technology, fossils, local historic finds and famous faces of the town. An old victorian house with lots of fascinating items of the era is attached to the main building. Look out for the ghosts... It's known as the most haunted place in Bedford! During the holidays they normally have different events for the family, and attached is a lovely Italian restaurant 😋 Nearby are other bars and restaurants. It's also next to the historic Bedford mound and Bedford embankment. Well worth a visit or two.

g. b.

Really good prehistoric, Roman and Saxon displays. Can the information be larger as tiny print so missed some of it. Nice people in reception.

M. T.

Well this was unexpected. A fabulous local museum in the town with a curated art collection that would put any capital city's gallery to shame. Kudos to both named curators. Also a fascinating permanent collection. My only tiniest of criticism please remember your audience who would like to capture some of the art by camera. The unintended reflection of some lighting can make this really tricky. Highly recommended though especially the current "Dreams and Nightmares".

N. W.

Led a workshop for the disability awareness week there this morning. Very helpful staff and bright airy room. More events happening this week till Saturday 25th September 2021

G. D.

Just visited for the Bawden exhibition, which was very good and worth seeing. Café a bit disappointing, no cake to go with the coffee and nothing at all gluten free.

M. G.

What a gem. Beautifully presented and very helpful and dedicated staff/volunteers. Thank you 🤓

a.

It's a nice place to get to know about bedford history. However it could be improved more with more fun and interactive activities which will attract more children. Eg. Mineral identification game and a batch or a sticker once you have succeeded. I liked the place where children were offered to design their room by Victorian way. It fascinated me. The place has many fine porcelain work which is very captivating. Worth visiting. But children might get a bit bored.

N. O.

Fascinating trip down memory lane as I used to visit Cecil Higgins Art Gallery as a child (about 50 years ago). Enjoyed the memory stir regarding Bedford after the second world war very much. Popped into the John Bunyan museum next door too!

R. H.

Always enjoy the collection, Burges and Bawden, such a great combination and some Pugin too

T. H.

Loved it, haven't been since a child but went with my partner recently and found loads of interesting reading meterial, had a lovely afternoon looking around the art.

G. E.

Good Bawden, small but nice Burges section.

P. F.

Wonderful place. Staff excellent Bistro superb

G. B.

Gem of a museum and art gallery, even if you're just visiting for a couple of hours. This is really three things in one. Museum, gallery and cafe. Just revisited, March 2022, still great. Went on a term time Friday and very quiet. Very helpful staff too. The museum gives you an overview of the history of Bedfordshire, from the geological formation of the rocks which underpin the county through ancient man, the Romans, right up to the modern day. As an adult with a short attention span, it's pitched just right, but this also makes it great for kids. Lots of interactive bits they can muck about it, but not so much detail they get bored. Also, it being local, you can point out places they may well know so it puts history in context. There's even a few cases of strange exhibits gathered from around the world which were previously held by Bedford Modern School Museum, back in the day. Great features on the brickworks, RAE Bedford, and Texas Instruments who used to be based in town. The gallery bit has ceramics, prints and furniture to explore. Again, some real treasures to unearth but not so much detail that little ones will get bored. Tacked on the side is great little cafe which is often open into the evening serving Italian food. While you're here, you can visit the castle mound, round the corner, there's an olde lime kiln on display in the basement of a nearby building, so the museum really is in the heart of 'ye olde Bedforde'. Literally 1 mins walk from the museum is the Panacea Museum which is again a great place to visit. It's a house that was owned by a religious cult who believed Jesus would return and live in Bedford, it's strange, but a charming museum to visit.

J. B.

So much to see and do ! Well worth a visit

A. P.

A lovely place to see old and modern art alike. Good descriptions by the pieces that give you insight to the artist and what the piece is about. Overall a lovely day trip and definitely one to make if you're in the area.

M. B.

Very educational easy to walk round. Extremely fascinating on the amount of local hi

d. r.

Good local museum with collection of Cecil Higgins belongings

T. A.

Excellent comprehensive museum, well labelled at height that can be read. Nearly all automatic doors plus lifts so very suited to less mobile. Amazing content and fortunately includes cafe as we were there most of day, missing adjacent museum and brief walk through other.

S. S.

Fascinating. A varied collection of paintings, archaeological finds, items from around the world. Some unusual, rare items. My favourite the Window Urn. Very well displayed. Very well organised for Covid restrictions. Pleasant, friendly, helpful staff.

M. A.

A very well picked and interesting museum items, it is a way more than is presented unfortunately. I think it can benefit a lot from better marketing, decorations and better presentation to the public generally. More lighting and activities (activities that people hear about!) is a good place to start I think, as it is a great place that just needs to be seen this way.

D. C.

Lots of information and details to take in, throughly enjoyable

S. C.

Lovely session again of poetry and tea party

C. C.

A hidden treasure, we saw a very interesting exhibition on Bedford through artwork. There's lots to see and friendly staff

c. k. c.

Wonderful place.

N. G.

Lots of interesting exhibits. Worth stopping and visiting for an hour or so

J. D.

Interesting local museum illustrating the history of the Bedford area, along with an art gallery. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

J. C.

Museum and art gallery. The museum section has examples of archaeological finds from various periods ranging from fossils through to Roman and Viking periods. There are also exhibits showing local industry, famous Bedford residents etc. The labelling was clear although for some cases you had to refer to a folder for more information. I also liked the art gallery section which showcased the work of Edward Bawden. Another plus is that it's free entry.

P. M.

Love this museum. Quirky. The present Turner exhibition is great. Engravings by the original pictures. Spot the difference! Friendly helpful staff. Free floor plan as the layout is confusing. It is also Free. Coffee shop next door.

M. T.

Huge collection a little overwhelming! Well organised and displayed. Will definitely take a few visits!

H. V.

The museum provided great insights about Bedford. I really had a nice time! Looking forward to visit again. 😊

R. C.

This is a lovely local museum which everyone should visit. A super collection of paintings and the children always love the neolithic artefacts whilst learning how to behave repectfully in a public place. What an asset to Bedford. The cake is amazing in the cafe too!

N. W.

Lovely place to visit (if your in Bedford and you miss it, you have missed a gem) So much to see, amazing artifacts history in front of you very eyes I will return as I would love to spend more time

k. a.

Having been used to the museums in London, I wasn't sure what to expect when we first went to the Higgins. It was incredibly interesting. There is such a variety of displays. From geological to Victorian Bedford, war history to art gallery, and ever changing exhibitions, there is something for everyone at the Higgins. The only issue I have is the layout. Better signage would be most helpful. We kind of got turned around and lost as we were going through it. It was also not obvious where toilets were located and I am not sure if it is very wheelchair accessible. With that said, I wouldn't hesitate to come back any time for a wander and stop in the pantry (the cafe attached to the Higgins) for an absolutely GORGEOUS slice of gluten free chocolate brownie and fabulous coffee.

p. p.

One of Bedford's gems! Great for cards in the shop too. There is always an interesting exhibition and regular activities & events happening that keep me going back. The staff are really friendly and very helpful too. Keep up the great work #TheHigginsgallery

C. Ó. C.

Incredible mix of historical victorian displays, incredible curated art galleries and a smallish archaeology gallery. Very kid friendly, ask for Kevin the platypus before you go round

A. D.

Surprisingly a very good museum with lots to see and do. Great local history, kids had a great time and a nice café next door.

T. B.

The exhibition of Trees in Art was lovely. It is so stimulating to see a range of artists and styles brought together by their love and depiction of Trees. We will definitely go back, this place is a gem.

A. M.

The Higgins punches way above its weight for a museum in a small town. The current exhibition of Picasso prints is well worth a visit. Since the refurbishment of the buildings the presentation on local archaeology is really quite impressive and exciting. Even the gift shop is noteworthy - low on "fragile tat" and high on genuinely interesting bits and bobs.

H. W.

Great little museum with excellent ceramics and Willi Burgess displays. Good cafe / Italian brasserie. Some VG exhibitions from time to time.Thoroughly civilised!

C. P.

Needs updating and for the lighting to be improved Exhibits looking tired

H. D.

Black History Trail was very disappointing. Couldn't find any of the people in the pamphlet in any of the galleries. Shame as the Windrush Exhibition was excellent.

P. B.

This is a good place, light, welcoming with a pleasant range of exhibitions, temporary and permanent. Fine one at present on horticulture in art. Free, with nice cafe.

N. L.

A gem of a museum in the lovely town of Bedford. A dedicated team that connected the museum to its people and opened its doors to Syrian refugees. Beautiful work. Keep it up!

R. M.

Amazing place for little and big ones alike

R. L.

Enjoyed the temporary exhibition on a garden/plants theme. The local history section with exhibits on ploughing and brickworks gave me a sense of the place. The Burges furniture and Bawden prints are (in different ways) delightful.

A. F.

Great museum, very interesting! A little hard to navigate, I'd visited twice before realising there was an upstairs too!

J. A.

Really great, modern and completely free museum. Love learning about this market town in a fun interactive way.

W. C.

Modern clean and masses of varied exhibits. Definitely worth a visit. Nice coffee shop attached

J. T.

Lovely place to visit. Staff were friendly and displays excellent. I would definitely go again.

u. o.

Old historical bits, pottery, clay, work tools, brooches, filled birds and some local animals looked great.

J. C.

Great gallery featuring local and international artists. Good selection of interesting craft activities for kids during half term and some weekends.

G.

I would love to come a investigate this beautiful building must hold some amazing history.

L. S.

This is a great space, for everyone, art, history, it's free. A go too with both my children many times and will be for many years 🤞👍👍

G. S.

Interesting journey through Bedford's industry, archaeology, art and culture. Spacious galleries with beautifully curated exhibits.

G. M.

Good exhibits. Staff friendly and knowledgeable.

J. b.

Excellent museum. Always something different happening. Went to a talk on a local topic and this tto was excellent.

B. N.

Plenty to see and very helpful staff. Well worth a visit

S. W.

Small but interesting, the staff were excellent.

I.

Excellent and interesting place for both old and young. Entry is free but you can donate if wanted.

E. C.

A great little museum, highlighting the history of Bedford.

J. T.

Super friendly, no entrance fee only donations and history , art education and celebrations ; perfect for a day out.

N. S.

Definitely recommended!! It was so good to go there especially with a free entry. Yes, entry is free of cost.

J. F.

Lots of interesting exhibits presented in a way which leads to an understanding of the history of Bedford and Bedfordshire from stone age through to the present day.

G.

Very interesting museum of mainly local history. Very good gallery celebrating local women from history and the present day.

L. M.

Very very interesting had a lovely day there, had elderly person with us was good to see there was a small chair we could take round with us

J. N.

Great local museum. Lots of interesting temporary exhibits as well as a permanent William Burges collection.

R. k.

Small but a really lovely museum. Very underated. Full of surprises

P. W.

Nice place to go for a quiet thought and wander. They do some great kids' activities during school holidays

E. H.

Lots to see and do, good for kids as interactive displays. Also nice collection of art

C.

Great exhibitions on the airships and Bedford artwork. Thanks.

D. W.

Fantastic free museum next the best part of Bedford... The River. Well worth a visit

P. T.

Excellent. Well worth a visit. We weren't impressed with the service in the attached restaurant though. Wouldn't recommend.

C. L.

I think this is a great museum. The refurb really upgraded it though I do miss how it was.

R. R.

Love visiting The Higgins - every time we go we discover something new, and there are lots of great child-friendly spots around the building.

H. W.

Kids activity days in school holidays very interesting and great fun for kids. Very educational good value for small cost.

P. M.

Fabulous displays, interesting stuff, helpful and knowledgeable staff. Well worth a visit.

J. S.

Great place to visit with children, lovely staff and lots of events year round.

G. D.

Always a great place to visit

M. S.

Popped into cafe rather than museum. Great coffee and cake, recommended

J. A.

Always love the good, laid back fun of The Pantry. Added bonus live singer was fab

M. H.

My family love it here. Great little museum

G. S.

Great museum and gallery, good restaurant too.

R. S.

Free entry. Recently modernised. Now often has themed displays rather than traditional glass cases.

F. D.

An absolutely excellent visit today with the Arts Society group, thoroughly recommend a visit. Would certainly return

N.

Excellent small museum and gallery. Free entry.

S. C.

Highlight for me was the small but delightful display of posters and other graphic design work by Edward Bawden.

T. G.

Great museum, terrific collection, excellent displays and interpretation

c. b.

Our favourite place to eat - great for food - service - atmosphere- would happily give 10 stars !!!

C. S.

I go for the gallery. It is a little oasis in the hub bub. An excellent collection of pictures.

L. J.

Huge museum and gallery with plenty to keep all ages occupied.

L. P. (.

Great day out.... Would recommend for adults n children.. Very good

T. P.

A very interesting and well organised museum, and it's free.

B. R.

Lovely facilities, great location very interesting talk on Concorde

O. C.

Nice local museum with a great rotation of exhibitions

M. S.

Very nice and surprisingly large free museum

G. M.

Very interesting museum. Worth visiting.

K. S.

Great place with so numerous things, interesting and interactive

A. R.

Great little museum with plenty to see about history in Bedfordshire.

K. K.

Nice museum with interesting art and historical resources.

M. C.

Great museum centred on the history of Bedfordshire and it's most famous things.

A. L.

Nicely kept museum with small gift shop and cafe

R. C.

Small but interesting for Bedford. Bawden room not well signposted and rather small.

E. T.

Always a pleasure to visit for kids and grown-ups.

C. M.

Interesting museum with friendly staff.

F. B.

Beautiful space. The Ravilious exhibition was particularly fab.

L. D.

Good small local museum and art gallery

M. D.

Brilliant museum. Good variety of events.

J. M.

Well worth a visit 👍

P. P.

Very interesting and informative visit, lots to see and do

P. P.

The Higgins, every time I go there is see Bedford past and present. I blooming love it!

A. M.

A beautiful gem hidden in Bedford, take the kids and yourself. Even has a restaurant.

M. K.

Alot to see here very well laid out and interesting.

M. B.

A cracking gallery with a great permanent print collection and an interesting exhibition programme.

p.

Interest place with some parts dedicates for museum. The volunteers are patient.

D. P.

Interesting museum well worth a visit

R. M.

Wonderful collection of watercolours and of Bawden's work. A jem of a museum

C. M.

This is by far the best Tank museum in the world !

j. w.

Great food and service, been many times.

A. Z.

I nice place to take the kids,a lot to see

M. G.

Food was good and service was very good I would go again

B. R.

Really interesting - well worth a visit.

M. G.

Glad I visited this place and learned so much about Bedford's history!

T. S.

Very interesting place to visit would recommend

F. B.

Just wonderful. Such beauty and variety.

C. F.

Worth supporting, interesting little exhibitions, they're trying really hard.

S. K.

Lots of collection to see with various themes from archeology to animals to cultures.

A. A.

I liked it but there was nothing really interesting in it

L. D.

Nice venue.

T. M.

Fantastic simple food... We are going again!

S. R.

Excellent place. Worth a visit.

A. L.

Surprisingly large museum and art gallery.

J. R.

With a visit, good tea Room as well

D. C.

Fantastic pizza, really friendly staff.

D. G.

The food was good but a bit overcooked and it arrived cold.

M. P. C.

Charming, I especially liked the period house attached.

R. G.

Unbelievable local saxon artifacts and fossils

S. J.

Lovely relaxing calligrapher workshop at The Higgins

F. K. A.

Very nice food and ambiance

w. k.

Everyone was so friendly loved it.

h. b.

Great place for all the family

D. B.

Friendly staff good day also for family

M. M.

Local history in a nutshell. Very interesting

L. B.

Very informative and well set out

B. O.

AMAZING authentic Italian food!

C. D.

Worth a visit. All done up recently.

A. H.

Fabulous with world class exhibitions!

N. M.

Such a lovely museum

d. g.

Good food, friendly staff,

V.

Lovely food and great service!!!!!

J. C.

Really good museum

K. L.

Really lovely museum

K. S.

Great place to visit..

D. L.

Excellent local museum

M. O.

Lovely, so much to see

T. S.

Nice place to spend time.

A. L.

I think it's an overrated Italian place in a nice place

D.

Family fun and local history

I. S.

You need to visit it's a hidden gem.

A. H.

Local Free museum with changing displays

A. H.

Amazing

A.

Super Pantry. Great Italian 😀

C. H.

Very enjoyable, recommended

L. C.

Well presented exhibits

V. G.

Fantastic food as always

J. Q.

Interesting place to pass time

M. H.

Attended the Windrush exhibition with a friend.

J. C.

Very good worth a visit

M. H.

The best of what Bedford has to offer.

R. S.

Very interesting and informative

m. d. s.

Very nice

H.

Interesting lots to see

S. S.

It good

B. G.

Very good foof

J. P.

Interesting, well presented.

M. B.

Super! Kinda small.

G. J.

Excellent food.

p. d.

Amazing exhibition

j. B.

It's great

L. B.

Great food

C.

Great place

R. J.

Higgins pantry excellent

I. M.

Good atmosphere

R. K.

Well laid out

G. M.

Nice place

d. c.

One of the jewels of Bedford.

o. y. h.

Turner painting

N. T.

Delightfulbplace

c.

Lovely museum with few interesting bits

J. Z.

(Translated) Place for 6 ke. (Original) Miejsce na 6 ke.

v. s.

(Translated) Good exposure. There is something to see. I advise. The entrance is free. (Original) Хорошая экспозиция. Есть что посмотреть. Советую. Вход бесплатный.

N.

A. S.

K. I.

M. B.

A. W.

G. L.

P. P.

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