The Shoemakers’ Museum

The Shoemakers’ Museum in Street opened in September 2025. Celebrating 200 years of shoemaking history through the eyes of the shoemakers, it is dedicated to telling the stories behind Clarks shoes in the place where it all began- Street in Somerset.

Years ago, there was a small shoe museum in Street which housed a collection of shoes from across time and cultures, which I found fascinating. I assumed that the new museum would be similar…but this was not the case!

Very few shoes were on display and those which were told the story of the development of Clarks shoes. There is plenty to see and discover, including adverts for Clarks shoes over the years- some of which I remembered! The exhibition is on two floors with a further gallery on the ground floor devoted to a collection of marine reptile fossils uncovered and collected by Alfred Gillett, who was a member of the Clarks family.

I was disappointed that the wonderfully varied and rich collection from the old museum was not on display and thought that the £12 adult entry fee (although this gives an annual pass) was a bit high for what was on offer, not something which I usually say! I was the only visitor during the whole time I was there so I hope it is busier at other times.

The Shoemakers’ Museum

Clarks Village,

Street

BA16 0BQ

If you’re interested in footwear fashion, you can read my review of ‘Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic’ here.