5 Reasons to visit Derby Museums
By Visit Derby
Created May 17, 2022
Last updated July 5, 2023
Discover a world of inspiration and wonder at Derby Museums, where art, history, and culture come alive. Our article presents you with 5 compelling reasons to visit these captivating institutions. Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage preserved within the walls of Derby Museums, which house a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibitions. Delve into thought-provoking art galleries that showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, from contemporary works to masterpieces from renowned artists. Engage in interactive displays and immersive experiences that bring the past to life, offering a deeper understanding of Derby's significance. With engaging educational programs, family-friendly activities, and captivating events, Derby Museums offer something for visitors of all ages and interests. Join us as we explore the top 5 reasons to visit Derby Museums and embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment in the heart of the city.
This guide was sponsored by
Derby Museums.
View a rare Joseph Wright of Derby self-portrait
Image credit: Oliver Taylor Derby Museums
Derby Museum and Art Gallery will be the guardian of a rare Joseph Wright painting - Portrait at the Age of About Forty in its Joseph Wright Gallery. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this remarkable painting by world renowned artist Joseph Wright, who was born and lived in Derby.
Place
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
The Strand, Derby
Celebrate the rich history of innovation at the Museum of Making
From the world’s smallest engine run using a human hair, to a seven tonne Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine suspended in a new atrium above visitors’ heads, there are 30,000 objects for the public to enjoy. With a treasure trove of objects displayed according to the materials from which they are made, the museum invites people to create their own journey through 300 years of making.
Place
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Silk Mill Lane, Derby
Experience life in an 18th Century Georgian home
Image Credit: Derby Museums
The professional showcase and family home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford contains period room sets illustrating aspects of domestic life from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Learn about the contrast of life between the master and the servant, the grandeur of Georgian architecture and the changes that occurred in the house over its 250-year life.
Place
Pickford's House
41 Friar Gate, Derby
Discover the Tiny World of Toy Theatre
Image credit: Oliver Taylor Photography - Derby Museums
Discover the magical world of toy theatres in this newly expanded display on the top floor of Pickford’s House. The exhibition showcases the best of Derby Museums’ world-class toy theatre collection, which is one of the largest in the country. It features toy and model theatres from The Frank Bradley Collection, Anthony Denning and practising toy theatre makers Joseph Hope Williams, Trevor Griffin and Alison Englefield.
There's something for everyone
Image Credit: Derby Museums
From the wonder of Joseph Wright to the fantastic porcelain, military, natural history, and world collections, there’s something new to discover that will arouse your curiosity and inspire your imagination every time you visit Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
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