The Black Country Living Museum (The Black Country Living Museum / Patrick Mulvaney)
Dudley’s open-air museum celebrated the milestone with gifts for the visitor, 46 years after welcoming its first
Black Country Living Museum in Dudley has welcomed its 11 millionth visitor since opening in 1978.
The open air museum’s 1950s ‘bobby on the beat’ and’ brickmaker’ greeted school teacher Ian,
who was presented with a year’s free membership to the Museum, a £50 voucher to spend in the Gift Shop, a souvenir ‘Black Country Living Museum’ brick, and a complimentary lunch for two in the Museum’s 1960s Elephant & Castle Pub.
Andrew Lovett OBE, Chief Executive, recognised the support it received toward the post-covid milestone.
“Since reaching the milestone of 10 million visitors in 2020, we have demonstrated our resilience following the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Museum had to close on two occasions,” Lovett said.
“Without the vital support given to us by Arts Council England and the Culture Recovery Fund, we would not have been able to bounce back so quickly, now reaching 107% of pre-pandemic attendance.”
More of the Museum’s capital development will be opening this year, including Dudley’s Woodside Library.
“As a registered educational charity, we are nothing without our visitors. Their support is vital and hugely appreciated. We’re very proud to be part of the Black Country community and hope to celebrate another visitor milestone ahead of our 50th anniversary in 2028.”
