The reopening of the American Museum on the outskirts of Bath has been delayed due to a significant leak in the building caused by a radiator earlier this month.
On Saturday 3rd March at around 5pm, a radiator in the American Museum in Britain leaked, causing water ingress into some of the period rooms on the east side of the Museum.
The period rooms Lee, Greek Revival and Conkey’s Tavern and some objects in them were affected, as well as the electrical and heating systems.
The leak was quickly brought under control by Museum staff, and collection items were moved into safe and secure spaces.
The rooms and objects have now been fully assessed by a team of specialists, and the museum has confirmed that some collection objects have been removed for conservation work.
There has also been some damage to the manor house itself, which will be dealt with in the coming weeks, in line with a building of its age, being built in 1820.
As a result of this unforeseen work, the opening of the museum for 2018 will be delayed, including the WW1 exhibition, which commemorates a hundred years since America’s first military involvement in the Great War, to Thursday 29th March.
The museum says the decision has not been taken lightly and, although they are disappointed to delay their opening, their first priority is the safety of visitors and the unique objects and building in their care.