Look out for a special entry price offer this coming July at the American Museum & Gardens in Bath.
It’s where the story of American independence will be brought to life with a programme of events marking the 250th anniversary of independence this summer.
To mark the occasion of America 250 through history, arts and culture and to help as many visitors as possible access programming, the Museum has reduced ticket prices to just £2.50 during weekday daytimes in July.
The star attraction is an extraordinarily rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed on July 4, 1776, now on display in England for the first time this year. One of only 26 known copies in the world, this version is especially significant because it was seized by the British shortly after printing and brought back to London as evidence of rising unrest in the American colonies.
3 – 5 July – Independence Day Weekend Celebration
A weekend of live music on the terrace lawn, featuring jazz star Clare Teal, one of the UK’s top vocalists; Strictly Come Dancing singer Tommy Blaize; West End stars Emma Kershaw and Katie Birtill; and musical storyteller Adrian Cox.
The Museum’s Summer Party on 4 July is a full-day outdoor celebration in the gardens, coinciding with American Independence Day. The event features live music and performances from Blazing Saddles and The Satin Dollz, plus circus skills, lawn games and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
4 July 2026 – 3 January 2027 – Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels
Opening later this year, Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels is a playful, immersive family exhibition celebrating the craft, ingenuity and joy of mechanical sculpture. Featuring animated models, whimsical characters and circus-inspired design, it highlights craft traditions and contemporary making.
Just minutes from the centre of Bath, the Museum brings American stories to life through its outstanding collections of textiles, decorative arts and design, set within acres of wildlife-friendly gardens and estate grounds with sweeping views across the valley. Visitors can also enjoy free on-site parking and the American Garden Deli, a stylish on-site eatery serving American-inspired dishes made with produce from the gardens, alongside a terrace with beautiful garden views.
9 August – The Jungle Book, Garden Theatre
The American Museum & Gardens welcomes Immersion Theatre for a high-energy outdoor adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, bringing a lively, musical twist to this much-loved family classic.
Lucy Littlewood, Director of The American Museum & Gardens, says:
“This summer, we’re bringing American culture to life through a programme of talks, performances and exhibitions celebrating its creativity, colour and cultural influence. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to see an original copy of the Declaration of Independence – a document that changed the course of history.
With tickets from just £2.50, we’re ensuring this remarkable experience remains accessible to all.
We’re not a history museum. From decorative arts and design to family-friendly theatre, hands-on activities and immersive displays, we bring American stories to life in engaging and unexpected ways – while offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s most influential documents up close.”
