Lancaster City Museum

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. 

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Above: SHUT, featuring the work of award-winning Italian celebrity photographer Adolfo Franzó (2024)

 

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 todayEnjoy 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 getting a replacement as soon as possible. We are really sorry but this 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 the Marketgate Shopping Centre.
  • 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

Monday10:30 – 16:00
Tuesday10:30 – 16:00
WednesdayCLOSED
ThursdayCLOSED
Friday10:30 – 16:00
Saturday10:30 – 16:00
Sunday10:30 – 16:00

 

Last admission to the upstairs galleries is at 15:30. Visitors arriving after this will be able to visit the museum shop and the ground floor temporary exhibition galleries only.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please check 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.

There are donation boxes for cash in the museum shop – or we’ll be happy to put card donations through the till!

 

Current Exhibitions

 

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.

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

A hearing loop is available.

There is Blue Badge parking in New Street, behind the museum. Please note we are in a pedestrian area, so other visitors will need to park elsewhere and walk to the museum. There are several pay and display car parks within easy walking distance.

We are currently developing a new way for those with visual impairments to enjoy our collections. Find out more here: Touch and See.

"Download our Visual Story, including Sensory Maps: Sensory Floor Plan

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

 

Getting here

By Car

If you are driving please DO NOT follow satnav directions directly to the museum – we are in a pedestrian area. You will need to select a nearby car park as your destination, or use Lancaster’s Park and Ride scheme to reach us from the M6.

The exception to this is if you have a Blue Badge for disabled parking: there are spaces available in New Street, just behind the museum: get directions to New Street on Google Maps.

On Foot or by Public Transport

The City Museum is in the pedestrian area of the city centre, prominently positioned in Market Square. It is within easy walking distance of both the train and bus stations.

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

By Bike

There are cycle parking stands both in front of the museum in Market Square and behind the museum in New Street. Please dismount your bike when you enter the pedestrian area.

 

 

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 at lancastercitymuseum@lancaster.gov.uk.

If you’d like to bring a school group, 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.

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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.