Derby Museum & Art Gallery

Visit Derby Museum and Art Gallery in the Strand, Derby, for a historical and cultural tour of local and international work of significance.
Don't miss out on the Tots Make and Do sessions at Derby Museums where your little ones can get involved in crafts, learning and more all inspired by the collections at the time.
Be sure to check out the themed and festive events that Derby Museums hold, like Christmas themed, to Where's Wally inspired spooky museum search.

For a dose of culture, art and history, visit Derby Museum and Art Gallery, where the kids can immerse themselves in a different world. Situated in the heart of Derby city centre, The Museum and Art Gallery always has something new to see and experience, from the Joseph Wright paintings, which is the largest collection in the world, to differing touring exhibitions, plus an award-winning Coffee House. The Museum and Art Gallery is a cultural maze of historic architecture and intriguing and diverse collections.

Take a trip through history, where you can stop off in Ancient Egypt, home to the collection of mummies for you to eye up. Afterwards, make your way through to the Archaeology Gallery; here you can explore ancient curiosities like the significant Bronze Age log-boat and Viking warrior's sword. Then take a gander at 18th-century painter, Joseph Wright, collection, to complete your historical tour.

The Derby Museum and Art Gallery boasts artefacts, collections and paintings that both significant locally and internationally. You can wander through the Soldier’s Story exhibition; thrill-seekers will love the range of weaponry and objects, both military and personal, uncovering histories of warfare. If you're after more historical trips in Derby city, then you have to check out Chatsworth House and Farmyard for a fantastic family day out, with an adventure playground and the chance to make some cuddly friends.

Don't miss out on events that Derby Museum and Art Gallery often hold, such as Where's Wally Spooky Museum Search which gets the little ones active, thinking and aware. Why not try Let's Make Christmas? This event is a seasonal celebration of contemporary craft produced in the region, where you can make your own festive crafts, this will be sure to get the whole family in some Christmas spirits at Derby art gallery. From ceramics and prints to beautiful jewellery and textiles, the perfect Christmas gift is just waiting for you.

One of the highlights at Derby Museum and Art Gallery is the collection of fantastic beasts, which is educational, and thrilling. There is plenty to learn about from and around the local area, so don't miss out on the weekly Tots Make and Do sessions for 2-5-year-olds. This free session allows kids to enjoy crafts, games and stories, all inspired by the interesting collections at the Derby Museums.

Why not visit the shop within the Museum and Art Gallery, which is a fantastic place to search for unique souvenirs and gifts. The products include historical jewellery, pretty ceramics, educational books, useful stationery and children’s gifts inspired by the collections.

Are you wondering what else there is to do in Derby? Check out the Heights of Abraham cable car tour, boasting stunning views of Derbyshire and Matlock, fossil exhibitions, walking trails and more.

What to know before you go

Derby Musuem and Art Gallery has on-site toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. Two toilets are accessible by stairs or lift on the top floor.
An accessible toilet is available on the first floor, which is accessed by a lift from all floors.
There is a baby food and milk warming facility at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
When you're feeling peckish, pay a visit to the Coffee House. Here you can enjoy homemade artisan sandwiches and locally sourced cakes, all situated within the pretty Ceramics Gallery.
The museum has three floors with lift access from the ground floor to each level. There is also induction loop available at reception for visitors who need it, and there are visitor assistants dotted around throughout the museum to help.
The main road outside the Museum & Art Gallery has a wide paved path, accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users.
There are limited parking spaces for Blue Badge holders on the Strand opposite the entrance to the museum, so come early for spaces.
There is a buggy park situated at the bottom of the stairs by the entrance.

Getting there

Derby Museum and Art Gallery is located in the Strand, Derby, East Midlands, England.
If travelling by car, the nearest off-site car park is Parksafe on Bold Lane, and this is around 50 metres from the museum and has 350 daytime spaces. There are 11 Blue Badge parking spaces marked clearly, available free of charge.
If travelling by train, there is a direct train service from London to Derby, which means you could be at any of the Derby museums in less than two hours. The nearest railway station is Derby, which is about a 20 minute walk away, plus there are taxis available at the station.
If travelling by bus, There are frequent and regular bus services into the city centre, operated by Trent Barton and Arriva. Derby Bus Station is a 10 minute walk away.
If travelling by bike, there are bicycle racks provided located outside the museum entrance on The Strand.