The Harris
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions EditorVisit now
The Harris
- Monday9:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday9:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday9:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday9:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday9:00am - 5:00pm
- Saturday9:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday11:00am - 4:00pm
Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.
If you’re in Preston, The Harris Museum and Art Gallery should be at the top of your list of places to visit. After a £16 million transformation which began all the way back in 2021, the museum is opening its doors once more to welcome loyal fans and new audiences alike.
As always, The Harris is free to enter and explore. The Grade I listed building has been lovingly repaired and restored, while its infrastructure has been thoroughly modernised, with the local community needs and accessibility guiding every decision.
With Community, Creativity and Learning being the leading values in the institution’s future, you can expect new displays that reflect the people of Preston and beyond, open and accessible spaces, and excellent facilities for individuals and groups. No.9 is a brand-new space, dedicated to supporting and celebrating Preston’s young people while The Studio is a fully accessible, dedicated learning area. There’s a fantastic library too, and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a quiet read.
As well as a transformed building and a new visual identity, The Harris returns with a brand new exhibition for the whole family: Wallace & Gromit In A Case At The Museum is a celebration of the art of animation. The display brings Aardman’s iconic characters to life through original sketches, sets, and props – you’ll find Wallace and Gromit, as well as Shaun the Sheep, and Feathers McGraw. Viewers can also use interactive exhibits to take a peek behind the scenes at the studio’s unique stop-motion animation techniques.
The Harris museum collections include paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles, glass and more, including a 13,000-year-old elk. Alongside historical objects, the brand new programme also includes exciting temporary displays as a result of collaborations with local and national contemporary artists. Visitors can also sign up for workshops, film screenings, talks and much more – keep an eye on the website for more information and details on how to book your tickets.
The Harris cannot wait to welcome you in – step inside, explore, and make yourself at home in Preston’s cherished cultural hub. It’s a space made for you.
