The Museum of Methodism is located next to Wesley's Chapel and Wesley's House. In fact, the museum is located in the lower level of the attached crypt of the Chapel, but his maintained as a separate facility.
The Museum was recently closed for an extended period of time for a major refurbishing project and was reopened to the public in May 2013. The Chapel and Wesley's house both remained open during this renovation.
The displays are well laid out to present the story of the early days of Methodism with particular emphasis on the life of John Wesley with many original artifacts, manuscripts, maps, sculptures and paintings. There are still several permanent exhibitions yet to be completed, awaiting financial resources.
Robes and saddle bag used by John Wesley
From the official web sit of the
Museum of Methodism:
The refurbished Museum of Methodism re-opened to the public on the 28th May 2013, and it tells the story of Methodism’s immense influence on Britain and the world. Three (of the planned six) permanent displays were unveiled at the official opening:
“The Warmed Heart” tells the story of John Wesley’s conversion. His Field Bible is one of the objects on display in a contemplative space.
“Mr Wesley’s New Chapel” traces the history of Wesley’s Chapel using a series of maps of Finsbury and Islington, the earliest of which dates to 1746.
“Connecting the Connexion” illustrates John’s Wesley’s visionary organisational system of Methodist societies, classes and bands. Exhibits include a range of membership tickets and a print of Francis Asbury, whose enthronement as a bishop in the United States sealed Methodism’s separation from the Church of England.
Huw Edwards, the BBC presenter, narrates our new seven-minute audio-visual presentation and the latest technology, including tablet computers, provides interactive access to major archival documents, such as John Wesley’s sermons and Charles Wesley’s hymns.
The museum holds one of the world's largest collections of Wesleyan ceramics and some of the finest Methodist paintings. Visitors can step back in time and stand in Wesley’s original pulpit from The Foundery Chapel. Why not come along and explore the first phase of the new museum for yourself; entry is free and everyone is welcome!
For more information about the John Wesley House museum, please see the following waymark for
John Wesley's House.
For more information about the John Wesley Chapel, please see the following waymark for
John Wesley Chapel.
The stained glass windows in the chapel are true works of art, though added over the years after the initial construction of the chapel. More details of these windows can be seen in the following waymark:
Wesley's Chapel Windows.