As well as our permanent displays, we have a packed schedule of changing exhibitions at both the Maritime Museum and the City Museum.

Read on to find out what you'll be able to discover on your next visit - or if you've seen it all already, skip ahead to our Future Exhibitions, or explore more online with our immersive Virtual Exhibitions! 

Corporation Street: what's your council ever done for you?

25 November 2024 - 27 April 2025

Our Museums are just one of the many public services provided by Lancaster City Council. From medieval markets to transport, tourism and taxes, this exhibition takes a lighthearted look at the history and work of our local council. 

By its very nature government, whether local or national, tends to attract many more complaints than compliments.

It is a popularly held view that any Council couldn't organise a p*** up in a brewery. Of course, this was a lot easier when Councils owned their own breweries and pubs - in Lancaster it was the Corporation Arms on Penny Street.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the massive changes in Local Government that also saw the creation of Lancaster City Council. We invite you to join us on the journey to better understand how we arrived at the Council we have today and what the Council does (and doesn't) do, and who pays for it!

This display is on the ground floor, which is fully accessible via a ramp to the right of the front entrance.

100 Years, 100 Objects: Stories from the Collection of Lancaster City Museums

Ongoing

2023 marked the 100th anniversary of our museums. As part of our centenary celebrations we created a series of podcasts about objects in our collection. These objects are now on display at the City Museum. They were selected by members of our museum team, academics, and members of community groups, who chose their favourites from our collection of over 50,000 items. 

Please note that this exhibition is on the upper floor of the building. Our stairlift is currently out of order, so this is only accessible to those able to climb two flights of stairs. We're very sorry for any disappointment this may cause. We hope you will still enjoy listening to the podcast - you can find it through our Podcast page.

Our Future Coast

15 March - 6 July 2025

‘What does Morecambe Bay mean to me?’ 

Our Future Coast is a DEFRA-funded project to improve the natural flood defences and coastal resilience of our local area: working with nature to safeguard coastal communities. 

This open art exhibition at the Maritime Museum was created in partnership with the OFC team and other local groups and individuals to create responses to the question ‘What does Morecambe Bay mean to me?’ 

• Find out more about the project here: Our Future Coast.

Hoard of Hoards: Hidden | Lost | Stolen | Offered | Collected

Ongoing

This immersive exhibition literally uncovers the hoards that we have in the collection. From pre-history through to the Tudor period people have always stashed away their valuables for one reason or another. We take a look at each one and ask what was happening in Britain at the time and why the owners felt the need to hide theirs.

We’ve got some exciting plans for new exhibitions coming up in 2025. In the Spotlight will look at the history of Black entertainers in Morecambe. This will begin soon with a small travelling exhibition, followed later in the year by a longer-term exhibition at the Maritime Museum. Meanwhile at the City Museum we’ll be looking at Romans, Cecil Thomas, and a Lancaster & District Arts Society Open Exhibition.

Our exhibitions change evey few months, so check back here for updates or follow us on Facebook or Instagram for all the latest announcements.