Tutankhamun exhibition boosts record visitor numbers for Barnsley Museums

Almost 60,000 people visited Tut’22: The Life Of Tutankhamun during its five month run at the Town Hall based Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre - the highest number of visitors since it opened, writes Graham Walker.

And it contributed to almost 2 million visitors to Barnsley Museum’s five council run free entry sites, between April 2022 and March 2023, which also includes Elsecar Heritage Centre, Cannon Hall Museum, Cooper Gallery and Worsbrough Mill. They get fundraising charity support from Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust – donate here.

VIRTUAL TOUR: Step inside Tut’22: The Life Of Tutankhamun – it’s doors remain open digitally as a free entry 3D walk-through virtual tour, created for Barnsley Museums by www.frontrowlive.co.uk, the town’s own Prof Fletcher and Bolton Museums’ Ian Trumble, featuring additional 3D objects, augmented reality, video and more information ‘hotspot’ links – VISIT HERE.

WATCH: TV’s ancient Egypt stars Prof Joann Fletcher and her partner Dr Stephen Buckley spoke about the Tut’22 exhibition and their amazing careers to our award winning Graham Walker in an exclusive Barnsley Museums PPV live streamed ‘audience with’ fundraising event at Barnsley College – now watch for free CLICK HERE.

NEW WEB SITE: For more, latest news and monthly blogs from Prof Fletcher visit and subscribe to her brand new web site at www.immortalegypt.co.uk

Barnsley Museums says high-quality, cutting-edge exhibitions and events have contributed to the high numbers and described the 1.9m total visitors during the 12 month period as a ‘considerable increase’ on previous years.

Tut ’22, celebrating 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and amazing Barnsley links, had 57,416 visitors, making it one of the most popular exhibitions in the Museum's history with he highest number of visitors since Experience Barnsley opened.

An augmented reality poster with 3D pop up tomb treasures and video, replicating cutting-edge technology used in the exhibition itself, was produced to promote Tut’22. A replica Tutankhamun sarcophagus, locked inside a red telephone box, renamed the T’Tut Box, outside the Town Hall, also helped to promote the temporary exhibition.

TV Egyptologist and guest curator of the exhibition, Barnsley born Prof Joann Fletcher, said: “Tut ‘22 has been an incredible project to work on.

"People’s responses to the exhibition have been wonderful, with really lovely comments, feedback, and reviews, plus record-breaking visitor numbers including people coming here specifically to see it from as far away as Barcelona and Cairo!

"It’s really showcased to the world just how proud people are of our town and the work our museums do. And it was also such a privilege to be able to bring such a phenomenal display of objects and artefacts to my hometown Barnsley, all so generously loaned by our colleagues at Bolton Museum, whose first curator came from a Barnsley family’.

Jo worked closely on the exhibition with the Bolton Museums curator Ian Trumble, who also played a major role in the exhibition’s success.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We were delighted to be able to loan those important artefacts to Barnsley Museum and give more visitors a chance to view them.”

The popularity of the museums’ outside spaces such as Cannon Hall Park and Gardens, and Worsbrough Mill Country Park has continued to increase, as people enjoy the stunning Green Flag spaces in both summer and winter months.

Elsecar Heritage Centre has also welcomed record numbers of people who have continued to enjoy its variety of independent shops, boutiques, businesses, and events.

With the price of attractions and days out increasing for families across the UK, Barnsley Museums continue to offer free entry and free activities at all their attractions. It is their goal to provide exciting, cultural activities that are accessible for all, particularly during the current challenging times.

The Museums continue to be ambitious leading on a variety of projects that takes arts, culture, and heritage out of traditional settings and into the Community. It saw them undertaking an innovative twelve-month project, opening temporary spaces in The Glass Works, Barnsley’s new town centre shopping destination. The project was a huge success welcoming people from across the region.

Jon Finch, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy, said: “Barnsley Museums continue to go from strength to strength, attracting visitors locally, regionally, and nationally. Fabulous places to visit they host a brilliant events and exhibitions programme which has something to suit all ages and interests. Barnsley has a wonderful cultural offer and the Museums, Galleries, theatres, and attractions across the borough make it a top destination to visit.”

To find out more about Barnsley Museums visit www.barnsley-museums.com