Changes are afoot

What can you expect?

The World of Glass will continue to open during the period of changes, don’t worry. You will always find that you can see glass blowing demonstrations on most days. Call ahead (01744 22766) if you are making a special journey. Even glass blowers can get poorly.

We are redesigning our museum galleries and the stories that we tell. You can get involved with that during our consulation day on Wednesday February 15th 11am – 3pm.

You can expect to see interactive displays that will keep the kids occupied. You will see our beautiful objects displayed in different ways and lit to perfection. You can expect to find spaces for community use and spaces for adult and childrens classes. 

We will keep you informed along the way of course, but we aim to keep our cafe open for all the usual hours. Our shop will still sell all those unusual items that you can’t get anywhere else. And you will always be able to expect a warm welcome.  

St Helens Open Art 2022

Saturday 19th November – Friday 6th January 2023

Godfrey Pilkington Gallery, Gallery three, Mezzanine.

An exhibition of art from the Towns residents. Back after 2 years we celbrate the best creative outputs from those who live and work in St Helens. Art & Design, 3D, photography, textiles and more. This year we also allow entries from outside the borough to submit to the Liverpool City Region category. With prizes and a private view, the comptetition is back with a bang. Download your application form below and enter on the 12th November 2022. Click the link below

Visitor Experience

Museum, Hot glass studio, Jubilee no9

Paid Attractions

Pilkington Glass Collection & Earth into Light

Museum permanent collection

One of the most important glass collections in the UK. Ancient Glass (Roman and Egyption), Medieval, Asian, right the way through to European and Contemporary. 

Earth into Light tells the story of St Helens and its place at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. 

Glass Blowing Demonstrations

Hot Glass studio (timed displays)

Marvel at our Glass Blower Marcin, as he blows hot glass and makes something special.  

Jubilee No 9

Over the Canal to the tank house

The Number nine Tank House is the best surviving example of a late 19th century glassmaking tank furnace building in England, comprising the building, its cone and furnace. You can explore the tunnels beneath. Make sure you put on a hard hat!