Step through the grand Georgian doors of Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery and enter a world where stories of science, art, history, and local life unfold across centuries. From Bronze Age relics and Roman treasures to Victorian medicine, dinosaur fossils, and the works of John Clare, this atmospheric venue offers something for curious minds of all ages.
Housed in a striking 19th-century former infirmary on Priestgate, the museum is home to over 200,000 objects. Wander through galleries showcasing everything from ancient marine reptiles to wartime ingenuity, and discover the largest collection of artefacts from the Napoleonic prisoner-of-war depot at Norman Cross. Above you, the ornate ceilings echo with footsteps of surgeons past—don’t miss the original Victorian operating theatre, tucked away in the upper floors.
Alongside its permanent exhibitions, the Museum regularly hosts dynamic temporary shows, family activities, and artist residencies. The adjoining Art Gallery adds another layer, with rotating displays ranging from contemporary works and sculpture to 17th-century paintings and community-curated exhibitions.
Whether you’re diving into deep time, tracing local heritage, or simply enjoying a coffee in the sunny courtyard café, this is a place to slow down, connect, and rediscover the extraordinary in the everyday.
Facilities
- Permanent exhibitions spanning archaeology, natural history, local history, and medicine
- Art Gallery with changing exhibitions
- “Squires” café serving drinks, snacks and light lunches
- Museum gift shop with books, crafts, and souvenirs
- Victorian operating theatre (not fully wheelchair accessible)
- Family-friendly trails and seasonal workshops
- Venue hire and event spaces
- Lift access to most public areas
- Quiet hours and visual story guide available
- Central location with nearby parking and bus stops
Did You Know?
Peterborough Museum houses a complete ichthyosaur fossil—an ancient marine reptile from the Jurassic seas that once covered this region. It’s one of the most complete specimens in the UK and was discovered right here in the Fens.
Insider Tip
Book ahead for timed-entry exhibitions, especially during school holidays. If you’re visiting in summer 2025, don’t miss Adventures in Time & Space—a spectacular exhibition of props, sets, and memorabilia from Doctor Who, on display from May to November.
Nearby Attractions
- Peterborough Cathedral (3 min walk)
- Cathedral Square cafés and shops (2 min walk)
- Queensgate Shopping Centre (5 min walk)
- Railworld Wildlife Haven (10 min walk)
- Nene Park & Ferry Meadows (15 min drive)