Heritage Open Days at The Novium Museum

We're excited to be celebrating this years Heritage Open Days festival, and have a number of free events on offer for you between 6 - 15 September.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture. Running for 10 days every September, it offers free access to heritage events and activities across England. There are thousands of free in-person events running across the country with a wealth of hidden places and stories. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all of which are FREE to explore.

Find out what we have in store for you below!

The Guildhall Open Mornings

Thursday 5, Friday 6 and Thursday 12 September 10.00 - 11.30am  

An opportunity to see inside this beautiful building.

Situated in Priory Park, The Guildhall is a Grade 1 listed building with a rich history. The Guildhall was built in the 1270s by the Franciscans and was dissolved In October 1538 by King Henry VIII. The building witnessed many dramatic events in its history including the trial of members of the Hawkhurst Gang and the trial of the poet and artist William Blake. It later served as the town hall and museum but is now mainly used for weddings and events and is rarely open to the public.

Shippam's Project Open Day

Thursday, 12 September 10.00am - 4.00pm

Hear about how The Novium Museum's Arts Council England funded Shippam's Advertising Archive project is progressing. Visitors will have the opportunity to handle some objects relating to Shippam's, visit a mini Shippam's display, chat with the project team and view some of the advertising archive.

Sessions are available to book between 10am and 3pm. Free of charge, with booking essential.

Book your free space here: Shippam's Open Day (opens new window)

La Diva Show Choir Performance at The Guildhall

Friday, 13 September 1.45 - 2.30pm at The Guildhall in Priory Park

A very special free lunchtime show in The Guildhall, Priory Park.

La Diva, a nationally-successful show choir from Bishop Luffa secondary school in Chichester will be performing on Friday, 13 September from 1.45pm.
Founded in June 2023 by Bishop Luffa head of music Jane Bowen-Melfi and classical soprano and singing teacher Amy Fuller, La Diva were Silver Award Winners at the UK Schools Music Festival 2023-2024.

La Diva's summer medley includes a feast of famous numbers from musicals such as 'La La Land', 'Mary Poppins', 'West Side Story' and more - as well as melodies and spirituals with multiple harmonies.

Admission is free, with donations to La Diva welcome on the day. To guarantee your free place, please book online in advance.

Book your free space here: Book La Diva concert (opens new window)

Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings - visit for free! 

Sunday, 15 September 2.30 - 4.00pm 

An opportunity to visit Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings exhibition for free!

Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings follows iconic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Diplodocus on their perilous journey from egg to adult.

For our younger Dino fans, explore our fun interactives, including Dino Dress Up, activity drawers, colouring and a fun themed toy box!

Free sessions are limited to Sunday, 15 September from 2.30pm. 

Book your free visit here: Book free Dinosaurs visit (opens new window)