Faces: The people behind our portraits
This Spring, the museum welcomes you to enjoy our portrait collection, including works unseen for generations, and to celebrate…
- Next Event
- 14th March 10:00am - 14th March 5:00pm
- Following 25 Events
15/03/26 10:00
-15/03/26 17:00
16/03/26 10:00
-16/03/26 17:00
17/03/26 10:00
-17/03/26 17:00
18/03/26 10:00
-18/03/26 17:00
19/03/26 10:00
-19/03/26 17:00
20/03/26 10:00
-20/03/26 17:00
21/03/26 10:00
-21/03/26 17:00
22/03/26 10:00
-22/03/26 17:00
23/03/26 10:00
-23/03/26 17:00
24/03/26 10:00
-24/03/26 17:00
25/03/26 10:00
-25/03/26 17:00
26/03/26 10:00
-26/03/26 17:00
27/03/26 10:00
-27/03/26 17:00
28/03/26 10:00
-28/03/26 17:00
29/03/26 10:00
-29/03/26 17:00
30/03/26 10:00
-30/03/26 17:00
31/03/26 10:00
-31/03/26 17:00
01/04/26 10:00
-01/04/26 17:00
02/04/26 10:00
-02/04/26 17:00
03/04/26 10:00
-03/04/26 17:00
04/04/26 10:00
-04/04/26 17:00
05/04/26 10:00
-05/04/26 17:00
06/04/26 10:00
-06/04/26 17:00
07/04/26 10:00
-07/04/26 17:00
08/04/26 10:00
-08/04/26 17:00
About this event
Featuring varied styles of artwork, we are showcasing abstract pieces, classic portraiture, precious miniatures, humorous sketchbooks, and collected photographs; this exhibition brings together both subjects and artists across time. Using a human lens, we aim to break down historical distance and uncover more personal stories to meet the faces behind the frame.
Join us as we: Step into the Cullum’s study through portraits by the likes of Sir Peter Lely. Explore Sophie Collett’s intricate miniatures. Delight in Rose Mead’s celebration of people. Encounter unnamed faces in intimate Victorian portraits. Trace the evolution of Roy Durrant’s style. Discover emerging artists from West Suffolk College exploring identity. And spend time with Mary Beale.
We’ve curated spaces to pause, look closely, and linger with the works on display, with moments to sit woven throughout the exhibition, we invite you to relish or respond in your own way. Pocket Portrait Packs are available to purchase, offering simple artistic prompts and materials to spark creativity inspired by the artworks—and by you.
For visitors of all ages, there are opportunities for photos, drawing, free Faces trail, and craft sessions planned for Easter.
Dates: Saturday 14 March – Sunday 10 May
Times: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (last admission 4pm)
Sunday 12pm – 4pm (last admission 3pm)
Extended opening – Sunday 15 March 10am (last admission 3pm).
Admission: Adults £5.50, Child / Student £4 (6 – 16), Under 5s free (no ticket required)
Share this venue
About the Venue
This beautiful medieval museum in the heart of Bury St Edmunds houses rich and eclectic collections and changing exhibitions, and hosts events ranging from themed craft workshops for all the family to historical talks and lectures.
Steeped in history, Moyse's Hall has looked out over Bury St Edmunds market place for almost 900 years.
The landmark 12th century building rich and varied past has included serving as the town Bridewell, workhouse and police station, first opening as a museum in 1899.
Today the museum offers a fascinating view into the past with collections that document the foundation of the early town - from the creation and dissolution of the Abbey of St Edmund to fascinating insights into local superstitions and witchcraft.
Winner of Suffolk's Family-Friendly Museum of the Year 2017, Horrible Histories creator Terry Deary has helped Moyse’s Hall Museum bring Bury St Edmunds’ gruesome history to life for children.
The Museum's Crime and Punishment Gallery not only features six Terrible Tales by Terry Deary, best-selling author and creator of the hugely popular Horrible Histories books, but also some grisly and gruesome interactive displays for children and adults. Step inside a gibbet cage (made for the museum by blacksmiths Kingdom Forge).
You can even trace the artefacts in The Red Barn Murder including the murder weapon and the disease box where visitors can smell a pus ridden hand is a museum favourite! The Battle of Fornham is told through the eyes of a blacksmith, a nun tending to the body of St Edmund tells of his grisly end. The stories of Mary Tudor, Queen of France (who is buried in St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds), the Red Barn Murder, the Nichols Murder, witchcraft and Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, all feature. Every story links back to an artefact, bringing the museum’s stories to life.
Moyse's Hall Museum is also known as home to a world class collection of exquisite collections of clocks and timepieces including rare items bequeathed by musician and clock collector Frederic Greshom-Parkington and fine art by Sir Peter Lely, Angelica Kauffman, James Tissot, and England's first professional female painter Mary Beale. Fine art is displayed on rotation, call to check if studying a specific artist.
Assistance dogs only. Dogs are welcome in the reception for tourist information enquires and to access the gift shop.
