Walking along St Peter’s Street we approach the grand Georgian building that is St Alban’s Museum. I look up to see huge crystal chandeliers sparkling through the three enormous first-floor sash windows, then step under four stately columns and into the foyer. It’s such an amazing space, newly restored, costing £7.75 million and taking five years to realise.

Daylight pours in. To our right is a long counter filled with delicious things to eat from bacon butties to huge almond croissants. To our left the shop is filled with unusual ornaments, art books and souvenirs. Spinners packed with postcards relating to local history such as black and white photos of factory workers at Ballito and photos of the Roman coins discovered in 2012 known as the Sandridge hoard.

On the other side of the store by the window are some glass cabinets displaying an arrangement of curios from pocket watches to bird glass sculptures. A regal cast bronze stag placed at the top overlooks the cabinet. I’m fascinated by a strange looking object and have to read the label to find out that it is a brass planispheric astrolabe.

Once I have overcome the initial distractions of food and shopping, I step beyond the initial wow factor of this glorious Georgian treasure house and meander into the corridor where displays have been expertly laid out for us by curators.

As I read the social history of our city I’m fascinated by what I learn; I peruse photos of our abbey and church that became a cathedral in 1871, and am reminded that in 2007 our city was chosen as Mayfair on the Monopoly board. I linger here for some time taking in all the local trivia and notice others doing the same.

I take the stairs to the galleries and am fascinated to see what’s coming next. Cleverly arranged photographs honouring those who have gone before us and shaped our history decorate the walls, including George Bernard Shaw, Sir Tim Rice and Stephen Hawking. The decorative bronze bannister adds to the experience and it is a pleasure to have this new centre for arts and culture on my doorstep.

I feel proud to be a local resident and share our city’s heritage with our visitors. As I reach the top of the stairs, I’m surprised by a ferocious stuffed lion in a cabinet, apparently guarding the museum’s treasures.

Next time I’ll be exploring the local historic and archaeological collections on the first floor, then heading back downstairs to the subterranean prison cells, and of course, enjoying a slice of Victoria sponge and a large pot of Earl Grey tea in the octagonal courtroom-come-café.

- Marisa Laycock moved from South West London to St Albans in 2000. She enjoys sharing her experiences of living in St Albans.