Project to Move our Designated Museum and Library Archive

We have announced that our Designated museum and library archive will be moving from its current location in the Shakespeare Centre to a new location a short distance to a new facility at Avenue Farm.

This move will allow more people to access the collection and allow the Trust to begin undertaking work to restore the Shakespeare Centre.

As we begin our journey on this exciting, expansive and impactful project, we have put together a series of frequently asked questions that will be updated regularly.

Will the collection be accessible at Avenue Farm?

Moving our collection to Avenue Farm will significantly improve public access and increase our capacity. Once completed, we will be able to return to pre-pandemic levels of engagement with researchers, removing the current capacity restrictions. The site also offers exciting new opportunities to extend our research and community engagement offers.

Avenue Farm will also be more accessible for visitors with specific mobility needs, as well as having allocated parking spaces outside and near the building.

There will be a short-term disruption to access to the collection once the move begins, however, priority will be given to researchers undertaking work before the start of the project.

The Reader Services team will be in touch with individuals over the coming weeks to discuss requirements in detail.

It is important to note that there will be no impact on access until Autumn 2024, and we will contact all researchers when there is an update.

What is the timeline to deliver this ambitious project?

The project will start in the spring of this year, with the appointment of a new Project Manager, to oversee the works.

More detailed information will be shared in due course on the final timeline for delivery.

Why does the collection need to be moved?

Since the completion of the Shakespeare Centre in 1964, we have stored our extensive collection of material connected to the life, times and works of William Shakespeare and the wider history of Stratford-upon-Avon and South Warwickshire (the National Shakespeare Collection) within the collections store of the building.

While the collections continue to be well maintained and conserved, there are challenges around the space and overall condition of the Shakespeare Centre.

As these issues will take time to be resolved, we have been exploring alternative sites to store the collection.

I have questions, who should I contact?

It is natural to have questions on a project of this size and scope, and we will share regular updates with you.

However, if you have specific questions, please email them to [email protected], a new inbox that has been set up to manage enquiries regarding the move.

This account will be monitored by key members of the team delivering the project, and they will aim to get back to enquiries within 72 hours.