Exhibitions
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
September 2023 onwards
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.
Umbrella Legs: John Walker of Sunderland Point
14 September 2024 - 28 February 2025
John Walker was a prolific photographer who captured real life in and around Morecambe Bay. He cut a fine figure with his large moustache and fitted suit with tight trousers, that earned him the moniker Umbrella Legs. A selection of the hundreds of his photographs that we have in the collection have been chosen for this exhibition, along with photographic equipment and other objects from our stores.
This exhibition will be travelling to Sunderland Point after its run at the Maritime Museum.
Hoard of Hoards: Hidden | Lost | Stolen | Offered | Collected
Continuing throughout 2024
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.
Our exhibitions change evey few months, so check back here for updates or follow us on social media for all the latest announcements:
