The new Southend Museums Collections Centre (SMCC) officially opened to the public this month, offering visitors the rare chance to go behind the scenes with incredible pieces of local heritage.
Located within the Beecroft Art Gallery, the Centre houses objects from archaeology, social history, and natural history collections that are not currently on display.
Visitors who book an SMCC tour will be able to step into the often‑unseen and mysterious world of museum conservation and curation. It's a rare and unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Southend and the wider South Essex region and to learn directly from the experts who work with these priceless objects every day.
The Centre's new layout also supports the important behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps the collections safe. Conservators can now more easily conduct regular condition checks, carry out preventative conservation, and reduce risks from pests or environmental hazards. Curators benefit too, with improved access that helps spark ideas for upcoming exhibitions.
Curator of Archaeology Jools McCusker Maxwell said, "SMCC offers visitors the chance to explore our wonderful collection of close to half a million local history and archaeology objects that are not currently on display. These artefacts tell the story of the local area and community from prehistory up until today. If you lined up all the shelves in the collections centre, it would be longer than the Southend Pier! So, visitors can be sure there is plenty to see!"
Stories to tell beyond Southend
Although SMCC plays a major role in showcasing the heritage of Southend and telling its story, the collections span the whole of South Essex and the Thames Estuary.
By opening the stores to the public, the Collections Centre helps people see themselves and their communities reflected in the region's shared history. As you walk through the rows of shelves, it feels like travelling through time: imagining life in 17th‑century Leigh‑on‑Sea with a clay pipe in hand or visualising someone sharpening a Palaeolithic handaxe in what is now Great Wakering.
Are you in?
Everyone is invited to explore the extraordinary range of natural, artistic, industrial, and technological treasures that were previously inaccessible to the public. Whether you've always wanted to admire the country's largest collection of historic EKCO radios, or hear conservators explain the story behind a prehistoric paddle discovered on the River Crouch, SMCC offers a rare chance to walk among history and uncover the untold stories of South Essex.
Director of Southend Museums Ciara Phipps said, "We are so excited to open the stores to the community in a way we have never been able to before. These tours will allow our visitors to understand and learn more about what we do, how we work with and care for the museum's collections, and how they can engage directly with them. There are so many exciting developments to come, so stay tuned!"
This is only the beginning for SMCC. Future plans include new additions to the collections, redesigned tours, and improvements to the building itself. As visitors will be able to experience this growth as it happens, they're encouraged to return to SMCC again and again.
If you'd like to book a tour, Southend Museums Collections Centre (SMCC) is located on the second floor of the Beecroft Gallery. SMCC tours will run two Thursdays a month during the spring season and tickets cost £13.70 per person.
Book your slot on the Eventbrite website now.