The Museum is Dead—Long Live the Museum!

Traditional museums often feel disconnected from modern life, treating history as a passive exhibit. At GATE’s Sewing Machine Working Museum, we are shattering that mold. We believe that to survive in an age of instant digital media, museums must attract active participants, not just quiet audiences.

By housing over 500 working antique domestic and industrial sewing machines—all available for public use by appointment—we bridge the gap between history and modern creativity. GATE is designed to inspire young people to connect with the past in a tangible, meaningful way. By transforming history into a hands-on experience, we aim to create a dynamic community hub that fosters personal growth, social connection, and collective community capital.

We are home to a diverse international lineup of antique hand-crank, treadle, and cabinet sewing machines from Britain, Germany, France, Spain, and the USA. But Gates is more than just a museum—we are a hands-on community hub. Currently in development, our upcoming venue will blend traditional exhibits with interactive, social activities where visitors can actually use the machines. To keep these beautiful pieces running for future generations, we will also feature a dedicated restoration workshop focused on the art of maintaining, conserving, and restoring antique sewing machines

GATE’s is managed and operated by GATE’s Sewing Machine Museum (CIC).

Gates Museum is located in the beautiful Somerset town of Street whilst in development.

Gates (Sewing Machine) Museum
10a, The Tanyard
Leigh Road
STREET
Somerset
BA16 0HD
(UK)

GATE’s can be contacted via email: enquiries@gates-museum.com