The astonishing story of a zoo-born lion’s journey from the pet department at Harrod’s to freedom in the wilds of Africa. Be prepared for laughter and tears in this tale of heartbreak, joy and ultimate triumph over adversity. One of the greatest wildlife films you are likely to see. Part of the proceeds from the evening to be given to the Born Free Foundation.
Please book tickets in advance: £8
Easter Holidays Art Activity Days:
This Easter we are running a range of our popular art activity days for children aged 3 years and over. They include:
Tues 31st March – Marbling
Wed 1st April – Animal Snappers
Thurs 2nd April – Easter Bunny Trail… a chocolaty treat awaits once you find them all!
Tues 7th April – Inspired by Henri Matisse; Paper Cuts
Wed 8th April – Copper Embossing
Thurs 9th April – Twinkling Wire Wishing Tree
Fri 10th April – Candle Making
Each workshop interprets the day’s theme using age appropriate materials and techniques. The different times are:
10.30-12.00pm: for 3 – 7 years
1.00-2.30pm: for 3 – 18 years
3.00-4.30pm: for 8 – 18 years
Each activity costs £6 per child and includes free entry to the museum for one accompanying adult. All activity must be booked in advance via our online booking system.
To see full details and to book please visit our Activity Days home page, here.

Geometric and zoomorphic patterns in vibrant colours decorate the traditional garment shapes of Central and South America. A society based on woven and embroidered textiles is as relevant today as it was in the past. Angela Thompson’s collection, based on personal travels, features the woven costumes that represent the different areas of each country. A fascinating evening for all!
Please book tickets in advance: £8
Michael has been engraving glass for over 65 years and is one of the world’s most revered exponents of copper wheel glass engraving. Come and join him for an evening of discovery, looking at some of the secrets behind a host of different pieces of beautiful glass, finding out how they were made and the skills that were employed to create them.
Please book tickets in advance: £8
May Half Term Art Activity Days:
This May we are running a range of our popular art activity days for children aged 3 years and over. They include:
31st May – Clock Making
1st June – Rawww! Lions Mask
2nd June – Block Print Wrapping Paper Inspired by William Morris
3rd June – Get Dotty with Pointillism
Each workshop interprets the day’s theme using age appropriate materials and techniques. The different times are:
10.30-12.00pm: for 3 – 7 years
1.00-2.30pm: for 3 – 18 years
3.00-4.30pm: for 8 – 18 years
Each activity costs £6 per child and includes free entry to the museum for one accompanying adult. All activity must be booked in advance via our online booking system.
To see full details and to book please visit our Activity Days home page, here.
Back at Nature in Art by popular demand, come and hear this renowned community choir, which has around 70 members, for an uplifting evening of wonderful singing. The emphasis of this choir under the inspiring leadership of Hilary Davies, is on the sheer joy and diversity of singing, rather than following any particular musical style. An evening not to be missed!
Part of the proceeds in aid of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
Heart and Soul Community Choir, Tewkesbury, started in 2003 as four harmony singing workshops for the over 50’s. It now numbers over 80 very enthusiastic and committed members of all ages.
Please book tickets in advance: £8
Family Fun Day
Our latest family fun day will be taking place on Saturday 25th June and will be themed around Bees, this will coincide with celebrating Insect Week (20th-26th June).
All activities will run from 10am-4pm and will be suitable for 3+; the cost to take part will only be £1 per person, under 3s free. If you wish to view the museum galleries on this day normal admission will apply.
Full details on the day’s events will be added below as soon as they are confirmed.
Here is a taster of what to look forward to already:
- Watch live demonstrations of real-life bees in their portable hive,
at 11am and 2pm - Discover our UV light and interactive smells exhibit
- Explore the microscopic world of bees

- Make a bee house and paint a bee magnet
- Get hands-on with the master composters
- Have a go at dissecting plants
- Take part in a Bumble Bee quiz and related games in the garden

There is no need to book for activities, please just come along anytime between 10am-4pm.
The coffee shop will also be open and serving light lunches.
Please see below for more detail about those organisations, individuals and charities who will kindly be providing many of the activities during our fun day:
The Cheltenham Science Group (10am-4pm) – Join the science group to experience the world as bees; using ultraviolet light, by dissecting a flower to see why pollinators are so important and by surveying the Nature in Art garden to find about the different pollinators at work. Plus, learn to communicate like a honey bee.![]()
Bees Abroad (11am and 2pm) – The aim of Bees Abroad is to provide education and technical advice in Beekeeping. As part of the family day, see live hive demonstrations from the team as they educate you about bees and their importance! Find out more about them, here.
The Stroud-based Buzz Club for Young People (10am-4pm) – “Our aim is to ensure that all young people are aware of the importance of all bees and insects in the food chain and to care for the environment through bee centered education and play.”![]()
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust (10am-4pm) – one aim of the Trust is to “support the conservation of all bumblebees, rare or abundant” and to educate people on the importance of bees in all shapes and forms. Have a go at completing their Bumblebee quiz and other games during the fun day. Find out more about them, here.
The Master Composters (10am-4pm) – Master Composters are volunteers who encourage people in their local community to start composting at home. During our fun day learn more about composing and the sorts of plants you can grow to help bees in your garden. Find out more about them, here.
Plus, meet insect artist Cath Hodsman who loves to explore the world of bees using a microscope. See some of her bee related artworks on show.
An illustrated talk by John Ward. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear the story behind some of the images which featured in the ‘Small but Perfectly Formed, 3D exhibition’ at Nature in Art in May/June. John is a pioneer in 3D and stereoscopic photography.
A fascinating and eye-opening evening for everyone.
Please book tickets in advance: £8
Summer Holidays Art Activity Days:
This Summer we are running a range of our popular art activity days for children aged 3 years and over. They include:
26th Jul – Oil Pastels Inspired by Picasso
27th Jul – Marvellous Marbling
28th Jul – Garden Noughts & Crosses
29th Jul – Pond Dipping
2nd Aug – Paper Making
3rd Aug – Finger Print Doodles
4th Aug – Origami
5th Aug – Sun Print Photography
9th Aug – Paper Sculpture Lizard
10th Aug – Model with Mod Roc
11th Aug – Make a Clay Vessel
12th Aug – Wire Sculpture
16th Aug – The Art of Print Making
17th Aug – Cave Paintings
18th Aug – Painting Party
19th Aug – Pen & Watercolour in the Garden
23rd Aug – Marvellous Mosaics
24th Aug – Landscapes in Textiles
25th Aug – Encaustic Art
26th Aug – Weaving
30th Aug – Build & Decorate a Hedgehog House
31st Aug – Simon Says “Draw & Colour!”
Each workshop interprets the day’s theme using age appropriate materials and techniques. The different times are:
10.30-12.00pm: for 3 – 7 years
1.00-2.30pm: for 3 – 18 years
3.00-4.30pm: for 8 – 18 years
Each activity costs £6 per child and includes free entry to the museum for one accompanying adult. All activity must be booked in advance via our online booking system.
To see full details and to book please visit our Activity Days home page, here.
To complement our CROWD exhibition (opening October 4th), come and look afresh at some of the objects included in that exhibition and other favourities in the Nature in Art collection. Personal thoughts and stories behind the items. An illustrated talk for everyone by Simon Trapnell.
Cost includes finger buffet