The River & Rowing Museum welcomes back visitors from Thursday 20 May with a celebratory burst of colour, a sublime new John Piper display and the original artwork and stories of David McKee.

NEW in the John Piper Gallery
A remarkable new display, Painting in Coloured Light: The modern stained glass designs of John Piper, signals the reopening of the Museum’s nationally significant John Piper Gallery. This new introduction to the gallery shines a spotlight on Piper’s lifelong passion for stained glass. The centrepiece of the new display, recently beautifully conserved and rarely seen in public before, is Piper’s vibrant ‘cartoon’ or design for the stunning stained glass window, which he was invited to create (c. 1985 – 1986) for All Saints Church, Farnborough, West Berkshire, in memory of his close friend and collaborator Sir John Betjeman.

Elmer and Friends – now extended until 21 June

There is no better way to celebrate the reopening of the Museum than the triumphant return of Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. This joyful exhibition, reopening 20 May has been extended until 21 June, enabling visitors from across the region to step into this storyland of colour. The exhibition from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books and celebrates 30 years of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

You ‘herd’ it here first
The whole Museum, including Elmer and Friends, will be open 7 days a week during Spring Half Term. Due to divine happenstance, Elmer Day is on Saturday 29 May, as half term begins. The Museum’s colourful exhibition is the perfect venue to spend Elmer Day with the family – a celebration of reading, elephants and acceptance. You may even catch a glimpse of Elmer!

As if by magic….

As well as original illustrations from the Elmer series, this feel-good exhibition features original artwork from Mr Benn, who first appeared on our screens 50 years ago. Visitors can take a trip down the memory lane that is Festive Road. For a touch of nostalgia, the Museum will be encouraging visitors – young and not so young – to dress up in their favourite costume for a special Mr Benn Dress Up Day on Saturday 5 June.

Together again at The Chocolate Café

The Museum’s stunning riverside Chocolate Café will also be welcoming back old friends and new – with a freshly refurbished outdoor decking area. This is the perfect rendezvous for friends and family and enjoying much-needed time together over a warming coffee or hot chocolate and a bite to eat.

Tickets now available

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’. To manage this process, tickets must be booked in advance. General admission tickets (which include access to Painting in Coloured Light and The John Piper Gallery) and Elmer and Friends tickets (which also allow access to the rest of the Museum), are now available to purchase online.

Alternatively, become a Friend of the Museum for unlimited free entry to the Museum and many more fabulous benefits. 

With every ticket purchased or gift bought in the Shop, the Museum can continue to share the art and stories of the river. Thank you.

Dates for your diary

• 20 May 2021 – River & Rowing Museum reopens all galleries, including:
  • NEW in the John Piper Gallery, Painting in Coloured Light: The modern stained glass designs of John Piper
  • Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
  • Wind in the Willows
• 29 May – 7 June – Spring Half Term
  • Museum, including Elmer and Friends, open 7 days per week, including Tues 1 and Weds 2 June.
  • Saturday 29 May – Elmer Day – with colourful special guest
  • Saturday 5 June – Mr Benn Dress Up Day – come dressed in costume like Mr Benn!
  • 21 June – Last day to visit Elmer and Friends before they march off to pastures new.

For more information on all of the above visit www.rrm.co.uk