The Holst Birthplace Museum is reopening 26 September

An official reopening ceremony took place on Monday 21st September at Cheltenham’s Holst Birthplace Museum, marking the end of the temporary closure due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Cheltenham MP, Alex Chalk, cut a ribbon strung across the doorway, accompanied by “Gustav Host” and his very good friend “Ralph Vaughan Williams”, (Richard Watson and Phil Collins).

Alex Chalk said “In a difficult world this is a ray of light and a great boost for the cultural life of  Cheltenham".

As the day marked the 146th anniversary of Holst’s birth, cakes wrest handed to passers-by, who were encouraged to visit the museum.

From 26 September on Saturdays and Wednesdays the Holst Birthplace Museum will be open again for visitors. Bookings for groups of up to six people can now be made online at https://holstmuseum.org.uk/your-visit/. English composer Gustav Holst’s birthplace houses the museum – 4 Clarence Road in Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2AY.

Amongst the Museum’s treasures is Holst’s piano on which much of ‘The Planets Suite’ was composed; his masterpiece. This 1830s house perfectly captures Holst’s early years in the town and a way of life in the Victorian era. Its Regency Room reflects middle class taste as Queen Victoria’s reign began.

Booking online couldn’t be easier. Holders of existing annual passes will be given a six-month extension. Cafés have reopened nearby, and at the Pump Room in Pittville Park, so The Holst is well situated for rediscovering Cheltenham after months of lockdown.

Measures are in place so that visitors can have a memorable, safe, and secure experience – masks, gloves, staff visors, sanitiser, and a cleaning routine.