Athelstan Museum is situated in the heart of the ancient town of Malmesbury. This hill-top site has been occupied since at least the Iron Age period, and the museum displays a large range of items spanning the period from that time up to the present day. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity.
The Museum is named after King Athelstan, first King of all England who is buried in Malmesbury. Much more about Athelstan can be found on our King Athelstan and Athelstan 1100 Exhibition pages.
Some key exhibits are a fine silver penny from the reign of King Athelstan, a hoard of Roman coins, and a watercolour of Malmesbury by J.M.W Turner.
The museum’s collection is on display in the Town Hall building, which can be found facing the Cross Hayes car park in the centre of town. Entry to the Museum is free and donations are welcomed.
The museum also owns the Julia and Hans Rausing Building, a converted Moravian Church, used for special museum events and can also be hired for other purposes.
MALMESBURY AND THE AMERICAN CONNECTION.
MUSEUM EXHIBITION: 2nd June to 20th December 2026
As America celebrates 250 years as an independent nation, this Exhibition traces its connections with Malmesbury, beginning with the earliest settlers in New England and Virginia in the 17th century and continuing with the later migration of more than six hundred people to Pennsylvania and Ohio. Right are some of the individuals featured.
It examines their enduring legacy in both countries and the links that continue to this day through a collection of richly illustrated displays, fascinating biographies and original artefacts. There is more information on our Exhibitions page.
See also What’s On for our linked Tea Time Talk by Sue Poolman on Weds 1 July – The Malmesbury Emigrants: in pursuit of the American Dream.
Our Collection
What’s On
Athelstan Museum
Malmesbury & the American Connection
Rausing Building
Malmesbury Union Workhouse – Why? Where? When? Who?
Rausing Building
The Malmesbury Emigrants: in pursuit of the American Dream
Rausing Building
Ben Kane – A Land Aflame – Second Punic War but no Hannibal?
Rausing Building
Magical Malmesbury – Lace Making Day
Rausing Building
Magical Malmesbury – Victorian Ragged School History Fun for Children!
For a full list of currently planned events please see our Current Events page
Rausing Building Venue Hire
Our recently refurbished venue, The Julia & Hans Rausing Building (formerly The Moravian Church) is available for hire throughout the year for talks, concerts, workshops, meetings or conferences. The Rausing Building is located at the top of Holloway.
This modern, light and spacious hall provides excellent audio and visual equipment which includes projector, sound (including a loop for the hard of hearing) and variable lighting modes. Tables can be arranged conference, workshop or theatre style for your event. Kitchen facilities are available.