Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room Museum closes for refurbishment

The Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate has closed for a fortnight for refurbishment.

The domed grade two listed building, which was originally a spa water pump house and now tells the story of Harrogate’s spa past, will look different when it re-opens on March 7.

Most notably, the welcome desk that visitors see when they walk in will be returned to its original location in the octagonal room. The Egyptology exhibits have been sent for study at Cardiff University and are not expected to return for two years.

The building, whose notable visitors include Tsarina Alexandra of Russia and novelist Charles Dickens, is operated by Harrogate Borough Council.

The Stray Ferret asked why the refurbishment was being carried out and the cost.

A council spokesperson said:

“This year marks the 70th anniversary since Harrogate’s pump room opened as a local history museum.

“We want to ensure the museum remains open and enjoyable for residents and visitors for another 70, and are excited to announce that we are restoring the original welcome desk back into its position in the octagonal room for which it was designed.

“We are also creating a glass floor above the wells so that these can be seen more clearly and redesigning some existing displays to tell more fascinating stories of Harrogate’s past.”

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