Discover more about the City of Lancaster, one of England’s Heritage Cities, from the pre-historic era, through to today. Our immersive galleries are packed with objects and stories. Visit the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, housed within the same building, and explore the history of this wonderful city and its people. 

Above: 100 Years, 100 Objects: your favourite object from the collections of Lancaster City Museums. From model dinosaurs to fine art. Our centenary exhibition gives everyone a chance to vote for their favourite.

About the Museum

The impressive City Museum is housed in Lancaster’s former town hall, sat right on the edge of the busy Market Square. The elegant Georgian building was built between 1781-3 to the designs of Major Thomas Jarrett and Thomas Harrison. 

The museum itself was founded in 1923 and its wonderfully varied collection and dioramas brilliantly lead visitors through the social and industrial history, archaeology of Lancaster, and the stories of the people who have made the city what it is today. Enjoy our fine art collection and the programme of changing exhibitions.

The City Museum building is also home to the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, a fascinating insight into the military heritage of the city’s own regiment from 1680 onwards. 

Facilities

Please be aware that our stairlift does not currently work. We are working on a new replacement as soon as possible. We are really sorry but that means that the first-floor galleries (most of the museum) are currently not accessible to anyone unable to climb two flights of stairs.

The ground floor remains completely accessible and can be reached via the main steps or a ramp by the entrance to Lancaster Library, next door. Our main exhibition gallery is on the ground floor.

There are no public toilets available on site. The closest public toilets are located in St. Nicholas’ Arcade.

As we do not have public toilets, we also do not have baby-changing facilities on site.

Only assistance dogs are permitted in the museum. This is because even well-behaved dogs are curious, and they sometimes need the loo. We can’t risk it for the sake of our fragile museum objects, which might get knocked over by a very waggy tail, and other visitors who may be nervous around dogs.

Opening Times

Please see the web pages for our other museums to see their opening days and times, as each museum is different.

Admission Charges

Admission to the City Museum and King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum is Free, though donations are appreciated.

Current Exhibition

Our final grand exhibition for 2023 is called 100 Years, 100 Objects: your favourite object from the collections of Lancaster City Museums. In this exhibition, we’ve shortlisted 100 objects that represent the breadth of the collection. You can see all the objects and vote on your favourite. Are you partisan for some pre-history, romanced by the Romans, or will your vote go to something Victorian? Let the world know your choice and keep an eye on our leaderboard to see which object is crowned this area’s favourite?

Accessibility

Please be aware that our stairlift does not currently work. We are working on a new replacement as soon as possible. We are really sorry but that means that the first-floor galleries (most of the museum) are currently not accessible to anyone unable to climb two flights of stairs.

The ground floor remains completely accessible and can be reached via the main steps or a ramp by the entrance to Lancaster Library, next door. Our main exhibition gallery is on the ground floor.

A hearing loop is available.

We can accommodate prams on the ground floor but not upstairs, ask the museum assistant at reception where you can leave your pram.

Download our Visual Story, including Sensory Maps: Sensory Floor Plan City Museum

Download our Access Statement for a more in-depth look at our museum: Lancaster City Museum Access Statement

Getting here

The City Museum is prominently positioned in Market Square. It is within walking distance of both the train and bus stations, as well as all of the pay and display car parks. 

Look out for the finger post signs around the city, which will help you to find us. 

Group and School visits

If you plan to visit us for a self-guided tour with a large group (over 12 people) please contact us in advance. 

If you are a school and wish to visit, please find the relevant information on our Schools Pages. 

Contact Us

Lancaster City Museum, Market Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1HT 

Email: lancastercitymuseum@lancaster.gov.uk  | Telephone: 01524 64637 

You can also contact us on Twitter and Facebook.

Friends of the Lancaster City Museum

Visit the Friends of Lancaster City Museum Facebook Page for details on how you can join, and support the City and King’s Own Royal Regiment museums. 

You can access a series of talks and events through the Friends. 

Walks With Stories

Join Lancaster Museums as they guide you along with a series of walks through and around the city, helping you to explore Lancaster’s fascinating past! Click here to find out more.