The River & Rowing Museum will re-open its doors on 6^th August, Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm, with a special ticketed offer to see the final run of the acclaimed Gertrude Hermes exhibition, outdoor self-led riverbank trails, a shop with a wide range of local produce and a much-missed café.

Sarah Posey, Director of the Museum said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to announce the reopening of our museum. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back! During the Museum’s closure in lockdown we’ve had a team working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the safe return of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Every single member of our team is committed to ensuring that your visit to the Museum on its reopening is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.”

The Museum celebrates this important moment with a wonderful opportunity to catch the stunning art exhibition, Art of the Wild: Gertrude Hermes and the Natural World, cut short before lockdown. Special curator-led tours – from 13 August – will also be offered with this ‘last chance to see’. Hermes, an innovative wood engraver and printmaker, had a restless curiosity about the natural world, including the River Thames.

The Museum will be strictly limiting capacity in line with governmental social distancing guidelines, so visitors will enjoy the feeling of a more ‘exclusive access’. Tickets must be booked in advance. More information, including how to book will be available during the week of 27 July.

This exhibition has been organised by the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.

Safety First

Visitor safety is the Museum’s highest priority. The team not only promises a warm welcome but will be adhering to government guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors, staff and volunteers. Limiting visitor numbers will enable safe social distancing, hand sanitiser will be available and only contactless or card payments will be accepted. Friendly staff will be on hand to support visitors to have a great time and stay safe.

Cafe at the Museum

The riverside Café will provide a takeaway service with outside seating space, so you can enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or wine, accompanied by sumptuous cakes, panini, sandwiches and ice creams. Picnic boxes will also be available – perfect for a lazy day by the banks of the river. Visitors need only bring a picnic blanket and a small selection of socially distancing friends.

Museum Shop

The Shop will have a special focus on local suppliers and producers. You couldn’t get more local than honey from Honeys of Henley, luxurious high cocoa content chocolate from chocolatier Gorvett & Stone or freshly roasted, ethically sourced, sustainably cultivated Horsebox Coffee. Chiltern Valley Winery’s fruity summer selection includes wild peach, damson vodka and sloe gin. Visitors will also be able to enjoy 15% off accessories, including jewellery, bags and scarves.

Nature guides and craft kits will help keep the small people entertained over the long summer break!  

Take the Museum to the River

The Museum is taking its offer outdoors this August. Families will love the brand new self-led family trails. Designed for families with children under 11, they make the most of the river setting over the school holidays.

• Wind in the Willows Meadow Trail is focussed on the Museum’s favourite 3D exhibition based on Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, and includes Ratty’s water trees, Mole’s eye view of the meadows and Badger’s Woods.
• River History Trail celebrates Henley’s history and takes visitors on a fascinating walk along the towpath finding features, things to discuss and spot, including Hobbs of Henley, who are celebrating their 150^th Anniversary in Henley this year.

Both trails can be used on smart phones and will be downloadable from the Museum’s website www.rrm.co.uk from 6th August.

Staycation Inspiration

Throughout the summer holidays, activities will also be available to download from the Museum’s website, featuring different themes each week. From the local environment to Henley stories, experiments to art and craft, the Museum will be suggesting how to make the most of the great outdoors.