Pictured with the famous Buxton Bear at the official opening event are: (left to right) Derbyshire County Council's head of libraries and heritage Robert Clayton, Cabinet Member for Environment Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire Museums Manager Martha Jasko-Lawrence and the council's Vice Chairman Councillor Rob Reaney.
The interim home for Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) opened to the public earlier this month, with the official grand opening taking place on Thursday (22 October 2026).
Our museum and art gallery now has its own dedicated building next to the town’s library on Kents Bank Road with space to showcase its collections, host exhibitions and welcome visitors while work continues to find a permanent home for the attraction in the area.
As well as the displays of artefacts and artwork, including the famous Buxton Bear, the space will support a wider programme of events, educational activities, school visits and community engagement. There is also a gift shop.
The opening of the new, temporary space has been made possible after our successful bid for Arts Council England (ACE) funding, with £72,000 coming from the Museum Renewal Fund and a further £5,000 from Museum Development Midlands/Arts Council England’s On Display! Collections Grant Scheme.
Our Cabinet Member for Environment Councillor Carol Wood marked the official opening, saying:
“Museum staff have worked tirelessly to make this happen and I was so pleased to see what they’ve achieved with my own eyes.
“There’s space to display artefacts and artwork, and even the famous Buxton Bear is back.
“While this new space is only temporary while work continues to find a new, permanent home, I think it’s such good news that we’re now able to show off so many more items once again.”
Admission to BMAG remains free, and opening times are Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.