Cabinets of Curiosity
The first museums were private collections,displayed as cabinets of curiosity.
They specialised in natural history,archaeology, art and much more. The public could often be granted access to see them by their owners.
The first public museums began to appear during the 18th century. The British Museum opened to the public in 1759.
This exhibition explores the Victorian fascination with collecting and travel. It concludes with a look at what the Priest’s House Museum collects, with a selection of genuine curiosities