Description
The Harris Museum & Art Gallery is a magnificent Grade I-listed treasure in the heart of Preston, offering an expansive blend of art, history, and literature. As one of the best things to do with kids in Preston, this vibrant museum and art gallery provides a welcoming space for families to explore everything from ancient Egyptian treasures to contemporary masterpieces. Whether you are wandering through the towering central hall or joining a creative workshop, it is a hub for community inspiration.
Visiting is incredibly budget-friendly as general admission to the museum, art gallery, and library is completely free. While entry to the permanent collections is free, some special events, workshops, or guided tours like the Egyptian Balcony tour may require a small fee or pre-booked tickets.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines culture with hands-on fun, The Harris is a top choice. Following its recent major redevelopment, the venue features modernised galleries and a dedicated children’s space designed specifically for younger explorers. It is a perfect spot for an educational day out that feels like an adventure.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes The Harris unique?
The building itself is a masterpiece, dominated by a central hall that rises over 120 feet from the ground floor to a lantern tower. It is unique for housing a museum, an art gallery, and a full public library all under one roof, making it a "treasure trove" for the local community. Children can experience sensory play in the children’s library or marvel at interactive exhibits like the famous Foucault’s Pendulum that demonstrates the Earth's rotation.
- Grade I Architecture: One of the most stunning examples of Neo-Classical architecture in the UK.
- The Big 2026 Comeback: After a massive £19 million renovation, it has reopened with enhanced facilities and refreshed displays.
- Foucault’s Pendulum: A rare opportunity to see a working scientific marvel in a historic setting.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Poulton Elk: Discover the 13,500-year-old skeleton of an Ice Age elk, which is the earliest relic of human occupation found in Lancashire.
- Egyptian Balcony: Take a guided tour to see stunning murals painted over a century ago and enjoy panoramic views of the atrium.
- Foucault’s Pendulum: Watch the heavy brass weight swing across the floor, providing a hypnotic look at physics in action.
- Mrs French’s Scent Bottle Collection: A massive and sparkling display of over 2,700 scent bottles that fascinates children and adults alike.
- Discover Preston Gallery: A dedicated space where kids can get closer to history through toys, money collections, and archaeological finds.
The Harris is packed with diverse spaces to explore:
- Discover Preston Gallery (Local history and archaeology).
- Fine Art Gallery (Paintings and sculptures from the 1700s to now).
- Ceramics & Glass Gallery (Over 300 years of clay and glass work).
- Fashion & Textiles Gallery (Costumes from the last 200 years).
- The Makerspace (Shared art, craft, and technology workshops).
- Children's Library & Children's Place (Redeveloped space for families).
- The Wellbeing Gallery (A quiet space to draw and relax).
- Heritage Reading Room (Research and computer access).
- Stairway Exhibition (New art displays located on both staircases).
- The Harris Open 2026 (Major exhibition featuring diverse local art from Feb-May 2026).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just a short walk away is the Flag Market, which often hosts outdoor events and festivals. You can also visit the British Commercial Vehicle Museum or ride the Ribble Steam Railway, both located within Leyland and Preston for a full transport-themed day out.
2.27 miles
