Discover over 5000 years of ancient Egypt in Bolton

With the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in a local authority museum in the UK, Bolton’s Egypt galleries are not to be missed. Visitors to ‘Bolton’s Egypt’ can learn about the town’s important links to the world of pharaohs and pyramids in the family-friendly, interactive gallery. The new galleries, opened in 2018, have over 2000 of its 12,000 objects on display, which more than doubles its previous capacity. It is the only place in the world, outside of Egypt, where you can enter an Egyptian tomb, that of Pharaoh Thutmose III, in a full-scale replica walk through space.

With everything from clothing and jewellery to pottery and monumental Egyptian architecture there is something for everyone. You can see the old evidence of Egyptian mummification anywhere in the world, and the furthest travelling piece of a temple on the planet.

Bolton’s Egyptology collection is one of the most significant ancient Egyptian collections in the UK. A local mill owner’s daughter, Annie Barlow, was a member of the Egypt Exploration Society in the 19th Century and helped to raise funds for excavations in Egypt. The Egypt Exploration Society donated numerous finds to the Chadwick Museum – the Victorian forerunner for Bolton Museum.

Get hands on with History

Bolton Museum hosts regular in-person ancient Egypt events where you can get hands-on with history. The sell-out study days, run twice a year, bring in Egyptological experts from around the country to allow you to get up-close with Bolton’s collection through themes including animals, religion, art and mummies. You can learn the ancient Egyptian language of Hieroglyphs in courses that run twice a year. Every month you can delve into a bit of ancient Egyptian history, completely free, with lunchtime talks and tours from Bolton’s Curator of Egyptology.

Hat’s off to Bolton Museum!

A rare, world-class Egyptian hat – believed to be one of only three in the world and the best surviving example of its kind – is now on display at Bolton Museum following expert conservation. Dating back almost 2,000 years, the felted woollen headpiece, possibly worn by a soldier in the Roman army, has captured the imagination of historians and visitors alike. Its unveiling has sparked widespread media interest, with international coverage celebrating Bolton’s rich Egyptology collection. Don’t miss this extraordinary glimpse into ancient Egyptian clothing and craftsmanship – now proudly showcased in the heart of the town.

Keep up date with all the latest news and events, visit Bolton Library and Museum Services.