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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
Current Exhibitions at the City Museum

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

September 2023 onwards

100 Years 100 Objects Museums Podcast logo beside a collection of photos of different objects: Irish Elk antlers, a box of dominoes made from bone, a blue and white plate with a scene of the river in Lancaster, a metal model of an iguanodon as envisaged by Richard Owen, and an envelope printed with anti-slavery slogans and illustrations.

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.

Current Exhibitions at the Maritime Museum
Exhibition poster including same info as this 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 exhibtion poster, depicting several silver coins and a small metal brooch.

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.

Future Exhibitions
Poster with same info as this page.

Opening 25th NovemberCorporation Street: what's your council ever done for you?

This new exhibition at the City Museum is almost ready! It will explore the history and work of our local council.

Our exhibitions change evey few months, so check back here for updates or follow us on social media for all the latest announcements:

Lancaster City Council logogram

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