The new Dudley Museum opened its doors for the first time in its new home at Dudley Archives on Saturday morning.

It was officially opened by mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler with guest of honour, Paralympic medallist and multiple grand slam winner, Jordanne Whiley MBE.

The new site boasts a dedicated timeline for people to walk through the different periods of the borough’s history which includes geology, dinosaurs, social history, fine art and the borough’s glass making heritage. There are also informal education spaces, a new education room and study areas.

A new Dudley Heroes gallery showcases the great and the good from the borough including scientists, artists, writers and sportspeople. Items on display include a range of footballing legend Duncan Edward’s shorts and caps on loan from Manchester United, a complete Wimbledon kit on loan from tennis ace Jordanne and two of record-breaking jumper Joe Darby’s belts. Cutting the ribbon at the weekend, Jordanne Whiley MBE said:

“It was a real honour to be invited to the launch event and to be recognised as one of the borough’s heroes. I was really impressed by the new museum, it has a really modern, welcoming feel and I’m sure it will be popular with visitors.”

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler added:

“The new museum at Dudley Archives is a treat waiting to be discovered. I really enjoyed looking round the museum, I think the new interpretation is excellent and really brings the borough’s history to life. 

“I particularly enjoyed the Dudley Heroes gallery which recognises the contribution of so many people over the years who have made this a borough we can all be proud of.”

The old museum in St James’s Road, Dudley, closed to the public in December as part of a number of savings for the council. The new museum at the Archives boasts better parking and access to the galleries, and is at the heart of the tourism hub at Castle Hill alongside the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Zoo and Castle.