Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery and Museum have a packed summer schedule, sure to keep visitors of all ages entertained throughout the long school holiday. The Herbert’s got you covered, whether you want to try your hand at creative crafts, go Dippy for Dinosaurs, or delight in the natural world.

Fantastic Jurassic

The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur - Dippy the Diplodocus - is now well established in the Herbert’s foyer. Taking a holiday from residence at London’s Natural History Museum, the famous plaster-of-paris replica of a Diplodocus carnegii skeleton stomped into Coventry in 2023, and will remain in pride of place until 2026.

The Herbert has made its guest of honour feel at home, with a series of events and activities inspired by the Jurassic period, when Dinos like Dippy roamed the earth. Warwickshire’s Jurassic Sea is an exhibition showing a selection of fossils found locally, when much of the region was underwater. For younger visitors, try the Jurassic Playground early years exhibition, and Jurassic Craft sessions, for ages 3+. 

Naturally, Dippy is the star of the show, and the Herbert have an exciting schedule of events which let you get up-close and personal. Visitors can Doze Under Dippy at a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover on selected dates throughout the year, channel their Yogi-Saur at Dippy Yoga, and discover the power of interactive storytelling with Dipp-E VR, inspired by the Herbert’s Ichthyosaur skull fossil.

Get Making

If you’ve had your fill of Dino fun, The Herbert also hosts a varied selection of art and craft workshops throughout the year, and August sees a variety of masterclasses to get the creative juices flowing. 

The last Create and Craft Café of the season takes place on Tues 6 August, aimed at visitors aged 60+, but open to everyone. Beginners and experienced makers (aged 16+) can try their hand at a Silversmithing Workshop, with experienced course tutors guiding the way.

For young people aged 8-16 who are missing their art lessons, the Herbert hosts Art Masterclasses throughout the month, at £11.55 per child. Participants can have a go at Felting Nature Scenes, painting Floral Watercolours, or Linocut Printmaking, on Thursday 1, 15 and 29 August, respectively.

Joy… Inspired by Nature

This summer, the Herbert hosts a new exhibition - Joy… Inspired by Nature - which features larger-than-life installations, that infuse the gallery with bursts of colour and delight. Acclaimed artists Nicola Richardson and Marianne Taviner of Vortex Creates have created this eye-popping wonderland, playfully reconnecting visitors with nature. 

Giant flowers? Check. Bursts of rainbow colours? You bet. Not forgetting a sensory delight of sounds and smells to awaken inner tranquillity. This show wants to connect you to nature, sparking your joy; and with the duo's signature bold and beautiful designs infusing every inch, you’re in for a treat.