Celebrations include a special exhibition and the chance to adopt the piano on which Gustav Holst composed The Planets.
The Cheltenham birthplace of composer Gustav Holst is celebrating 50 years as a museum with a special exhibition and a golden anniversary appeal to help safeguard its future. Since opening to the public on 25 October 1975, Holst Victorian House has transported visitors back in time to the Victorian era, offering a unique insight into the life and music of Gustav Holst, and the lives of Cheltenham residents of his time.
Image shows Gustav Holst's daughter and museum director, David Addison, on opening night 50 years ago. Holst statue in Imperial Gardens and Holst Victorian House today.
Now, to mark the museum’s half-century, visitors can step into two other important periods in the house’s history. ‘From Bombs to Bellbottoms’ - a temporary exhibition running until 31 December - tells the stories of past residents through a carefully curated 1940s sitting room and an authentic recreation of a 1970s bedroom.
Alongside the special exhibition, visitors can explore the house’s Victorian interiors, discover archive documents charting the museum’s 50-year history, and see the piano on which Holst composed The Planets.
The famous piano is also the centrepiece of a new ‘Adopt an Object’ scheme. Launched to commemorate the museum’s golden anniversary and raise vital funds to protect its historic building and support education and outreach work, objects available to adopt include Holst’s piano, his family gramophone, and autograph manuscripts.
Martin Renshaw, Co-Chair, Holst Birthplace Trust, said: “Holst Victorian House is buoyant, but faces real financial challenges. As we celebrate 50 years as a museum, we’re appealing for supporters who care about Cheltenham’s heritage and the legacy of one of Britain’s greatest composers to help secure our future for the next 50 years. By visiting the house, giving a donation, becoming a member or adopting an object, you will be helping to protect a truly unique piece of Cheltenham’s cultural heritage.”
Laura Kinnear, Curator, Holst Victorian House, added: “Holst Victorian House is more than a museum. It’s a window into the world of Gustav Holst, one of England’s greatest composers, and provides a unique insight into the Victorian way of life in the house where he was born. We’re grateful to everyone who supports our appeal and helps to ensure these stories continue to be told for generations to come.”
The range of musical items, artworks and historic objects available to adopt can be found at - Adopt an object.
From Bombs to Bellbottoms runs until 31 December 2025 and is included with admission to Holst Victorian House. Museum tickets include free return visits for 12 months and under 16s go free.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am until 4pm. Last admissions at 3.30pm.