The Quilt Museum and Gallery, which opened in York on 7 June 2008, is Britain's first museum dedicated to the history of British quilt making and textile arts. The museum was founded and is operated by The Quilters' Guild of the British Isles. The Guild was formed in 1979 and is the national organisation representing quilt makers throughout the country. Traditional and contemporary work is of equal importance within the Guild, and membership is open to anyone who works in patchwork, appliqué, and quilting, or has an interest in quilts. The museum changes exhibitions every three months and displays both contemporary and heritage pieces.