Re-Development Floor Plans

Click on one of the gallery spaces to find out more

Ground Floor

First Floor

Medieval, Victorian & 20th Century History

Coventry has played a pivotal role in British history, from the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century and the city's industrial transformation in late Victorian times, to its rebirth from the ashes of the Second World War, including its post war economic boom.

The key elements of this history are just as relevant today, with religion, war, and community forming the fabric of 21st century life, just as it did in the 1400s. This gallery tells the story of the people of Coventry through the objects and words of the people themselves.

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History Centre

This major resource will house archive collections ranging from medieval times to the present day, family history resources, oral history recordings, maps, plans and printed books and pamphlets.

The History Centre, along with The Herbert's education spaces and accessible museum store, will provide the ideal resource for students, historians, or anyone wanting to learn more about their history.

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Discover Godiva

The naked rider has been part of myths and tales all over the world. From the Celtic Goddess Epona, to heroic tales in Arabian nights and the mesmerising Punjab princess of Chamba, the legend transcends many cultures.

Discover Godiva will ask the questions:

• Who was Lady Godiva?
• Did the ride really take place?
• How has the legend changed over the years?
• What other myths and stories surround the legend?

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Peace & Reconciliation

On 14 November 1940 the people of Coventry endured 11 hours of bombing. In one night hundreds of people were killed and thousands were made homeless.
Civilians on all sides suffered enormously during the Second World War. Their experiences gave them a better understanding of the suffering of others and a desire to prevent future conflict. The links Coventry made soon after the War involved cities such as Kiel and Dresden in former enemy countries. This deliberate effort to rebuild friendships showed the importance to Coventry of working for peace and reconciliation.
Through incredible stories of reconciliation alongside horrific experiences of conflict, this gallery explores peace, conflict and reconciliation.

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Temporary Exhibition Space

Four new temporary galleries and a performance studio will form a major part of our future creative arts programme. These spaces are set to showcase major travelling exhibitions from the V&A, British Museum and National Galleries of Scotland, as well as providing the opportunity for local artists and performers to demonstrate their work.

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Media Studios

Ever wanted to make a movie, record an album, or even create your own animated characters?

Herbert Media is a unique resource, offering you the opportunity to learn, make and show your own work. Our team of trainers and engineers offer a wide range of courses and workshops to suit all budgets.

From specialist equipment hire, to the best sound and video editing suites in Coventry, Herbert Media has it covered.

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Art Collection

Over the course of the last 50 years, The Herbert has built up a wide-ranging and fascinating art collection, ranging from the Renaissance to modern contemporary pieces.

Portraits by Sir Thomas Lawrence, a masterpiece by Luca Giordano and landscapes by LS Lowry will sit alongside more recent works by Stanley Spencer, Graham Sutherland, Elisabeth Frink and Ben Nicholson.

The gallery will showcase some of our greatest and most treasured pieces, generating interaction and discussion.

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Elements Gallery

"Elements" is a multi-sensory exploration of the natural world using the four ancient elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. From the rich life of tropical rainforests to the tundra landscapes of the North, we¹ll take you on a journey of discovery:

• Create your own sculptures using materials from the ocean
• Explore minerals and gems from before the time of the dinosaurs
• Compose soundtracks to describe your favourite landscapes
• Discover how birds take flight and hunt for prey

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Connected

We asked members of the public to choose their favourite object or work of art in The Herbert. Their choices will be on display in an exhibition called Connected.

From a piece of a meteorite to a 1960s mini-dress, this exhibition will have an amazing variety of objects. You will be able to find out why they picked these objects by watching a film in the exhibition.

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