The Jenner Jog - March 2nd 2025

We are delighted to host the New Berkeley Harriers in delivering the inaugral ‘Jenner Jog’, this is a UK Athletics measured 10k chip-timed road event starting here at the Museum. The run is along fairly flat country lanes and through the heart of Berkeley town, with a bespoke event medal included.
The Jenner Jog will return next year - 1st March 2026!

‘But Why Think? Why not Try the Experiment?’

An exhibition showing work inspired by Edward Jenner by local sculptors from the Cotswold Sculptors Association

13.04.25—13.09.25

Free admission with Museum entry

Local members of the Cotswold Sculptors Association are pleased to present their first site specific group exhibition, set in the historic garden of Dr Jenner’s House in Berkeley.

The inspiration was an exhortation to Edward Jenner by fellow scientist, John Hunter, to stop thinking ‘What If?’, and to just go ahead, experiment and find out. So we invited artists to be inspired by Edward Jenner and his myriad of interests, respond to the historic home and gardens and take up the opportunity and platform to try something different, and most importantly to experiment!

18 sculptors have risen to the challenge and have been inspired to experiment, explore and push themselves just as Edward Jenner did. We hope that visitors will be inspired to think differently about sculpture and enjoy the experience of looking at Jenner’s interests and achievements through an artists lens.

‘POX’ - An open air production with the Cotswold Players

The extraordinary story of a pioneering Gloucestershire doctor, Edward Jenner, and his ongoing legacy of vaccination. A story told through Jenner’s relationships with his family, his staff, the locals and Fellows of The Royal Society.

This world premiere of a play written by Janet Bolam, has all the elements that will educate and entertain; drama, comedy and heartbreak. Set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries – the era of Jane Austin.

 This outdoor production is to be performed by the Cotswold Players in the very place where the discovery that changed the world happened.

Make a full evening of it by arriving early and having an exclusive out of hours view of Dr Jenner’s House and an opportunity to picnic in his Georgian garden, which will open from 4pm each day, all included in the ticket price. Alternatively enjoy a special pre-play meal in the beautiful Kitchen Garden restaurant at Berkely Castle, just next door to the museum. A refreshment bar will be on site throughout the performances.

The Jenner Trust, the charity who care for Dr Jenner’s House, are delighted to be working with the Cotswolds players to bring the story of this remarkable man and his world changing discovery to life. The Trust rely entirely on donations to survive and keep the museum open.

Performances start at 7pm.

Tickets £16 from www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 

Shrapnel Boys: Life on the Home Front Museum Trail

From Wednesday 21st May, join us for the Shrapnel Boys: Life on the Home Front Museum Trail, organised by Kids in Museums and Usborne. This national family trail is inspired by Shrapnel Boys, a forthcoming novel by award-winning children’s author Jenny Pearson.

Shrapnel Boys is a novel about the friendship and courage of a group of young boys living through the Second World War.

When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, but excited to race his friends to collect the best bits of shrapnel every morning.

But for Ronnie, the battles aren’t just in the sky and on the streets. They’re at school and at home too. His little brother is up to no good with a secret job and dangerous new friends, and Ronnie’s worried he’s getting himself into big trouble.

Ronnie’s desperate to help his little brother. But he isn’t expecting to uncover secrets that could change the fate of the whole war…

Pick up a free activity sheet to join in at Dr Jenner’s House. Explore what life was like for children on the home front and search for hidden objects around the museum. Complete the spotter trail and receive a free sticker!

Children can also design their own VE Day bunting. One winning design will receive:

• A signed copy of Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

• A National Art Pass (plus kids) courtesy of Art Fund – giving one adult plus children under 16 free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic houses across the UK, plus 50% off major exhibitions!

Full competition terms and conditions: https://kidsinmuseums.org.uk/what-we-do/museum-trails/shrapnel-boys-competition/

We are pleased that the 2025 season will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore our refreshed galleries and event spaces, thanks to support from:

Mira / Kohler

Magnox

Whitefire

Farrow & Ball, Bath