A new combined museum, art gallery, library is set to open this week in Tunbridge Wells following a multi-million pound renovation project.
The Amelia Scott, or ‘The Amelia’, combines The Tunbridge Wells Museum, art gallery, library and Adult Education Centre into a single building with an additional space for live events.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) in partnership with Kent County Council (KCC), the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England have developed the £20 million project.
First conceived as a millennium project, construction on the site eventually began in January 2020. Last May construction work on site concluded and fit out work began. It will open to visitors on April 28th 2022.
At 12pm on Thursday 28 April, the #AmeliaScott will be open for business! #Museum, #Exhibitions, #Libraries, #Galleries and #WelfareServices – here's a glimpse of what to expect! Join us in Tunbridge Wells town centre for the opening event. Info at https://t.co/HI3Op2uVF4 pic.twitter.com/uPDbU6mhO8
— The Amelia (@theamelia_tw) April 14, 2022
Once open, it is expected to attract around half a million visitors per year. Exhibitions include paintings and clothes from the local aristocratic Camden family, and a room with interactive exhibits about the history of the town and wider borough.
The Amelia is named after Amelia Scott, a local campaigner for women’s rights during the suffragette movement and one of the town’s first women councillors. Scott was involved in the creation of the original museum and library in Tunbridge Wells.
To celebrate the opening, a Literary Festival in Tunbridge Wells will take place from Friday 29 April – Monday 2 May, with Jo Brand and David Baddiel headlining.
