Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Welcome to the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, a sanctuary of knowledge and artistic achievement situated in the heart of a city that was a central pillar of the Industrial Revolution. This institution, which can trace its noble…

We begin our exploration in the Archaeology Gallery, where time seems to condense around the remarkable Shardlow Log Boat. This extraordinary vessel, carved from a single oak tree trunk over 3,400 years ago, was discovered in a…

Moving into the Natural History section, we encounter the startling remains of the Allenton Hippo. Discovered by workmen in Allenton in 1895, these 120,000-year-old bones serve as a dramatic reminder that the climate and fauna of…

We now enter the intellectual and artistic heart of the museum: the Joseph Wright of Derby Gallery. Wright is undoubtedly the 'jewel in the crown' of this institution, and this gallery holds the largest collection of his work in…

The Soldier's Story Gallery provides a poignant and analytical look at the military heritage of Derbyshire, specifically the history of the 9th and 12th Royal Lancers and the Sherwood Foresters. This space is dedicated to…

A perennial highlight of the museum is the collection of Egyptian mummies, which have been on display since 1879. These mummies, dating from approximately 650 to 250 BC, are housed in the World Cultures gallery, or the 'Gallery…

One of the most evocative spaces in the museum is the replica of the room where Bonnie Prince Charlie held his Council of War in 1745. The actual wood paneling was salvaged from Exeter House on Full Street before its demolition…

As we conclude our journey through the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, we find ourselves back at the threshold, perhaps carrying with us a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human and natural history that resides within…