A new chapter for a historic Monmouth landmark – Monlife

A new chapter for a historic Monmouth landmark

Monmouthshire County Council will commence work on enhancing the Shire Hall in Monmouth. 

To bring this ambitious vision to fruition, Shire Hall will temporarily close to the public from 20 December 2025, to allow essential work to commence. The building is expected to remain closed to the public until early 2027.

Supported by a £2.8 million investment, including £1.5 million from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, this project will see Shire Hall revitalised as an inspiring community museum and dynamic learning hub.

What’s Changing?

  • The revitalised Shire Hall will offer innovative displays telling Monmouth’s story, flexible learning spaces, visible object storage, and improved conditions for our internationally significant collections.
  • Upgrades to the heating system and energy efficiency will enhance environmental sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint of this Grade I listed building.
  • Redesigned retail spaces and a renewed visitor welcome will improve the experience for all, supporting Monmouth’s regeneration and the Destination Management Plan.
  • The project will remove physical, financial, and social barriers to access, ensuring Shire Hall is a welcoming space for everyone.

Extensive consultation with a wide range of communities, including ethnic minority groups and individuals living with dementia, has shaped the project. 

Initiatives such as the Dynamic Collections and Anti-Racist Wales projects have already resulted in co-curated exhibitions and more inclusive museum experiences. A Citizens Panel will continue to guide future exhibitions and events, ensuring ongoing community representation.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “The Shire Hall has served Monmouth in many ways over its history, most recently as a place for people affected by flooding to come for support. We look forward to its future as an exciting community museum, telling the many stories of Monmouth and showing our internationally important collections.”

While Shire Hall is closed, we will keep the community informed and engaged through regular updates and behind-the-scenes insights into the transformation. 

We look forward to welcoming visitors back in early 2027 to a Shire Hall that is more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable than ever before.

For more information and updates, please visit www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/the-shire-hall/

This post is also available in: Welsh