Historic venue may tell story of Georgian Bath

After the Fashion Museum closes its doors at Bath Assembly Rooms for the last time, the National Trust plans to turn the historic building into ‘an experience that will transport our visitors to Georgian Bath.’

The museum will close on October 30 and its collection will be moved into storage. In March, the direct running of the Assembly Rooms will be taken over by the National Trust, which owns the building and activated a break clause in its lease agreement with Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2019.

Tim Boden, general manager of the National Trust, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to bring this important building to life.

“Taking over Bath Assembly Rooms will allow the National Trust to develop new experiences in the centre of Bath, telling the stories of the Georgian city in a building that was the heart of its social scene in the late 18th century, and making these relevant to today”

The Trust expects to open this experience ‘in a few years’ as it looks into the history of the building, finalises plans and undertakes building work.

Mr Boden added: “We’re working closely with our many friends and partners in the city to develop our plans for Bath Assembly Rooms.”

The Fashion Museum will move to the Old Post Office on New Bond Street and will reopen in three to eight years’ time, depending on funding.