Celebrating 20 years of the Peace Museum

The PeACE Museum is taking over Bradford with events and exhibitions at three sites across the city

The Peace Museum is celebrating a significant milestone this year as it marks 20 years since the museum first opened its galleries in Piece Hall Yard, Bradford. Celebrations will be taking place across three sites in the city on Saturday 7^th July, including the grand opening of The Peace Museum's new pop up ‘A Piece of Peace Gallery' in the former Costa space on Kirkgate, a special open day at 10 Piece Hall Yard and a private party at the Old Crown for invited guests.

The Peace Museum is rooted in Bradford because of the cities rich history and heritage of peace and activism, with influential figures such as Margaret McMillan and William Forster. The initial idea of a ‘Museum for Peace' was proposed in a dissertation by a student at the University of Bradford, Peace Studies Department in 1990. Two years later, the International Network of Museums for Peace held its first conference at the University during which it was decided a UK peace museum should be established here in Bradford.

Lauren Padgett, Trustee at The Peace Museum said ‘This anniversary is an opportunity for us to reflect on the success of the last 20 years and look forward to the next 20 years. The Peace Museum has grown significantly, and it will continue to preserve peace history and inspire the next generation of peacemakers in the years to come.'

On Saturday 7^th July, 11am - 4 pm ‘A Piece of Peace Gallery' will open for the first time, with family activities and the popular temporary exhibition ‘The Etiquette of the Arms Fair: Ten Years Drawing in Arms Fairs' by artist and activist Jill Gibbon. A new travelling pop-up exhibition ‘Pieces of Peace: A History of Peace in 20 Objects' is also set to go on display in the space after the opening.

The Peace Museum will also be holding two celebratory events throughout the day and evening at The Peace Museum premises at 10 Piece Hall Yard and The Old Crown, Brick Box Rooms on Ivegate. From 11 am - 4 pm The Peace Museum is hosting a special open day at Piece Hall Yard, visitors are invited to join staff for a slice of cake, family activities, including make your own peaceful placards and guided tours. In the evening the Museum is hosting a private reception and party at The Old Crown for its partners and supporters with badge making, paper crane making and music from Bradford No Hands DJ Collective.

Shannen Lang, Learning and Engagement Officer at The Peace Museum said ‘We are proud to be part of Bradford, and we hope Bradford comes and celebrates this significant event with us'.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Sarah Bartey on 01274 780241 or email at sarah.bartey@peacemuseum.org.uk.

Notes to the editor:

The Peace Museum

The Peace Museum occupies three small, unique galleries in one of Bradford's many fine Victorian buildings. It is the only accredited museum of its kind in the UK and is a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace. The Peace Museum tells the stories of those who have campaigned for peace and end to conflict and violence, locally, nationally and internationally, through a 7000 item collection. The Museum is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10 am till 4 pm. Other times may be possible with prior arrangement. www.peacemuseum.org.uk