Heritage Open Days: Touchstones Rochdale
Touchstones is a museum, gallery and arts centre located in a stunning Grade II building in Rochdale town centre. After closing the building to the public in September 2023, the capital redevelopment project is now around halfway through. Lots of changes have been made to the building already and the entire ground floor area will be reimagined as an exciting, dynamic and welcoming space when we re-open in 2027.
With new creative studios, learning spaces, a performance area, dining area and more of our wonderful art gallery, museum and local studies collections on display around the building, the first floor will see a complete refresh of our gallery spaces.
Additionally, the entire building will be getting a new roof. Explore how the building is being transformed with a tour led by the architects Architectural Emporium, the building contractors HH Smith and staff who have worked closely on the project.
Learn more about the conservation methods used to restore the heritage of the building and find out what the different spaces will become when we re-open. You will also get the chance to view archival material from our Local Studies collection which show the original building, created as a library in 1884 and then extended in 1903 and again in 1913.
Please meet outside the building, next to the underpass on The Esplanade, 10 mins before the event is due to take place. Please note that the venue is considered a building site so it is NOT fully accessible.
The venue has high steps, uneven ground, different surfaces throughout and no lift. Visitors will be expected to wear a hard hat and high vis jacket (these will be provided) and suitable shoes (not provided) for the visit.
Suitable footwear should be sturdy and completely cover the foot.
There are no toilets to use on site.
With new creative studios, learning spaces, a performance area, dining area and more of our wonderful art gallery, museum and local studies collections on display around the building, the first floor will see a complete refresh of our gallery spaces.
Additionally, the entire building will be getting a new roof. Explore how the building is being transformed with a tour led by the architects Architectural Emporium, the building contractors HH Smith and staff who have worked closely on the project.
Learn more about the conservation methods used to restore the heritage of the building and find out what the different spaces will become when we re-open. You will also get the chance to view archival material from our Local Studies collection which show the original building, created as a library in 1884 and then extended in 1903 and again in 1913.
Please meet outside the building, next to the underpass on The Esplanade, 10 mins before the event is due to take place. Please note that the venue is considered a building site so it is NOT fully accessible.
The venue has high steps, uneven ground, different surfaces throughout and no lift. Visitors will be expected to wear a hard hat and high vis jacket (these will be provided) and suitable shoes (not provided) for the visit.
Suitable footwear should be sturdy and completely cover the foot.
There are no toilets to use on site.
