Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm
Sunday, 12-5pm
Open Spring and Summer Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm Northampton Museum & Art Gallery re-opened on Saturday 10 July 2021.
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The new museum includes new shoe displays, new major temporary exhibition galleries, school room and activity spaces, cafe, shop and selling gallery. The museum is home to the world famous shoe collection, recognised as a collection of national and international importance. Other collections include fine & decorative art and archaeology. The museum plays host to a wide programme of temporary exhibitions and events for visitors of all ages to enjoy and explore throughout the year.

✨🕺 Step back in time and relive the MAGIC of the 80s! 🎧📼Opening Saturday 20th JuneAn entire generation now has the chanc...
15/06/2026

✨🕺 Step back in time and relive the MAGIC of the 80s! 🎧📼

Opening Saturday 20th June

An entire generation now has the chance to soak up some serious nostalgia with I Grew Up 80s – a fantastic FREE exhibition.

Dive into the colourful world of 1980s Britain through the eyes of a child 👀🎈 From Betamax to BMX 🚲, Dirty Dancing 💃 to Donkey Kong 🎮, and Thompson Twins 🎤 to Transformers 🤖 – it’s all here!

This lovingly curated exhibition features 200+ iconic treasures 🧸✨ capturing the energy, creativity, and pure fun of the decade. Collector Matt Fox brings the era to life with:
👟 Classic trainers like Dunlop Green Flash & Adidas High Tops
🕹️ Retro toys & electronic games from Argos dreams
🎶 Vinyl & cassette favourites you played on repeat
🍫 Forgotten treats like Sweet Ci******es & Peanut Treets
📻 Epic 80s design – boomboxes, Swatch watches & yes… purple shell suits 😎

So grab your leg warmers 🧦, twist your Rubik’s cube 🧩, and channel your inner Marty McFly 🚗⚡ or Bill & Ted 🤘…

👉 Northampton Museum is ready to take you on a MOST EXCELLENT adventure! 🎉🕰️

💥

‘Northamptonshire D-Day Stories from the Summer of 1944’ Step back into one of the most defining moments of history and ...
10/06/2026

‘Northamptonshire D-Day Stories from the Summer of 1944’

Step back into one of the most defining moments of history and discover the powerful local stories behind D-Day. This brand-new book brings Northamptonshire’s wartime connections to life like never before.

✨ What’s inside?
This beautifully presented, lavishly illustrated 200-page book explores a wide range of stories, divided into four fascinating sections:

Northamptonshire men and women who served in the forces
The Northamptonshire Yeomanry
The county’s American air bases
The impact of war on the home front

📚 Researched and developed by the dedicated Military Research Volunteers at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, this publication shines a light on the people, places, and experiences that shaped 1944.

🛍️ Available from Tuesday 23rd June exclusively from at:

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Abington Park Museum

📅 This is a must-read for history lovers, families, and anyone proud of Northamptonshire’s heritage.

👉 Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of local history.

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

🏡 What does “Home” mean to you?Whether you live in a town or village, a terraced house, stately home, or even a canal bo...
10/06/2026

🏡 What does “Home” mean to you?

Whether you live in a town or village, a terraced house, stately home, or even a canal boat – whether you’ve just arrived in Northamptonshire or your family has been here for generations – we want to hear from you!

Following the success of A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery is developing a brand-new exhibition, "Home", opening February–July 2027.

💭 Home isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling, a memory, a culture, a story. This exhibition will explore what “home” means to people across Northamptonshire, giving voice to lived experiences that aren’t always seen in museums.
We’re inviting individuals, community groups, and heritage organisations to get involved by:

• Sharing your stories and what home means to you (past or present)
• Suggesting or loaning objects that represent your home or community
• Taking part in filmed features about homes across the county
• Contributing memories, images, and ideas for a podcast series and collaborative book

📣 This is your chance to help shape a major exhibition and ensure Northamptonshire’s many voices are heard.

👉 Get involved by completing the form by 30 June. Click on the link https://forms.westnorthants.gov.uk/xfp/form/997

We’ll be in touch over the summer to explore next steps.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas, please contact us at [email protected]

We can’t wait to hear your stories and work together to celebrate the meaning of Home across Northamptonshire 💛

Immersive Sound Bath at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery🗓 Friday 26 Jun, and 24 Jul | ⏰ 6.30–8pm💷 £22 | 🔞 18+ | Booking ...
09/06/2026

Immersive Sound Bath at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

🗓 Friday 26 Jun, and 24 Jul | ⏰ 6.30–8pm

💷 £22 | 🔞 18+ | Booking essential

Relax, unwind, and experience a powerful blend of sound healing and immersive visuals. Let gongs, chimes, drums and crystal bowls guide you into deep calm, helping clear your mind and ease stress.

✨ Benefits may include better sleep, improved focus, and anxiety relief.
👕 Wear comfy clothes and bring a yoga mat.
⏱ Arrive 5–10 mins early – late entry not allowed.

⚠️ Not suitable for early pregnancy, certain medical conditions, or sound-induced epilepsy.

👉 Book here: https://wnc.ai/VMYPV
👉Tickets are also available to purchase direct from the museum, either in person or by telephoning 01604 526322 during opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays 12 – 5pm.

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SEE – CLOSES SUNDAY! 🚨🦖 Carboniferous Monsters: 100 Million Years Before the Dinosaurs💷 Free entryDon’t...
05/06/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SEE – CLOSES SUNDAY! 🚨

🦖 Carboniferous Monsters: 100 Million Years Before the Dinosaurs

💷 Free entry

Don’t miss your final chance to step back in time before this epic exhibition disappears!

Travel to the Carboniferous period and explore tropical forests and swamps filled with bizarre, ferocious creatures. Discover animals with teeth bigger than T. rex, meet the dinosaurs’ distant ancestors—the very first reptiles—and come face to face with the largest creepy-crawlies ever to roam the Earth.
An unforgettable adventure for prehistoric monster fans of all ages!
⏳ Closes Sunday 7 June – don’t miss out!

🌟 Thursday Morning Talks: April – July 2026 🌟📍 Northampton Museum & Art GalleryLooking for something inspiring to bright...
02/06/2026

🌟 Thursday Morning Talks: April – July 2026 🌟
📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Looking for something inspiring to brighten your Thursdays? Join us for our Summer series of Thursday Morning Talks — a collection of seven engaging sessions exploring a fascinating mix of topics.

From local history and cultural heritage to remarkable individuals and the evolution of our communities, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a curious learner, a history enthusiast, or simply enjoy a good story.

✨ Upcoming Talk:
Thursday 4 June
🎶 The Development of the Great American Songbook
🎤 Speaker: Melody Flyte
Discover how Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, the Gershwins and their contemporaries transformed popular music and musical theatre. Melody Flyte will perform in vintage costume, bringing the era to life with beloved classics including You’re the Top, Over the Rainbow, and Ain’t Misbehavin’.

☕ Cost: £3.50 per talk (includes tea, coffee & biscuits)
🎟️ Booking is essential

Delivered by knowledgeable speakers in a friendly and welcoming setting, each talk offers a chance to connect with the stories that have shaped our local identity—and continue to inspire today.

👉 Don’t miss out book here: https://wnc.ai/V5ngN

Tickets are also available to purchase from the museum direct, either in person of by calling 01604 526322, Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays 12-5pm.

01/06/2026

🌈 Mini Museum Explorers – This Friday! 🌈
✨ This week’s theme: All the Colours of the Rainbow! ✨

📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
📅 Friday 5 June
⏰ 10:15 – 11:45am

💷 £5 per child (booking essential, refreshments included)

Join us for a magical morning of creativity, discovery and play! Designed for little adventurers aged 2.5–5 and their grown-ups, Mini Museum Explorers is packed with stories, music, crafts and hands-on fun.
Watch imaginations come to life as you explore the museum together in a warm, welcoming space—perfect for making new friends and creating special memories.
☕ And while your little one enjoys a tasty treat, you can relax with a well-earned tea or coffee.
🎨 The perfect way to start your Friday morning—fun, learning and a sprinkle of museum magic!

👉 Places are limited, book here: https://wnc.ai/N2vrN
Tickets are also available to book in person or by phone direct from the museum on 01604 526322 (Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm | Sun 12–5pm)

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SEE – CLOSES SUNDAY! 🚨🦖 Carboniferous Monsters: 100 Million Years Before the Dinosaurs📍 Northampton Mus...
01/06/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SEE – CLOSES SUNDAY! 🚨

🦖 Carboniferous Monsters: 100 Million Years Before the Dinosaurs

📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
💷 Free entry

Don’t miss your final chance to step back in time before this epic exhibition disappears!
Travel to the Carboniferous period and explore tropical forests and swamps filled with bizarre, ferocious creatures. Discover animals with teeth bigger than T. rex, meet the dinosaurs’ distant ancestors—the very first reptiles—and come face to face with the largest creepy-crawlies ever to roam the Earth.
An unforgettable adventure for prehistoric monster fans of all ages!
⏳ Closes Sunday 7 June – don’t miss out!

🎉 Pop Wednesday is on TODAY – Fun for Curious Kids! 🎉📅 Wednesday 27th May🕛 12–4pm📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery💸 FRE...
27/05/2026

🎉 Pop Wednesday is on TODAY – Fun for Curious Kids! 🎉

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕛 12–4pm
📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
💸 FREE (donations welcome!)

🦖 Visit us and explore the Carboniferous Monsters Exhibition – a fascinating journey into a world of giant prehistoric creatures!

There’s plenty to keep little explorers busy:
🦟 Make your own Meganeura (a giant dragonfly!) to take home
🎨 Enjoy themed colouring & puzzle sheets
🗺️ Follow a fun museum trail
🧩 Crack clever puzzles & games
🕵️ Take on mini-mysteries and challenges
🧠 Discover quirky facts about history, art, and more

Perfect for families with children of all ages – and no booking needed. Just drop in and join the fun!

🎉 Pop in Wednesday – Fun for Curious Kids! 🎉📅 Wednesday 27th May🕛 12–4pm📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery💸 FREE (donat...
26/05/2026

🎉 Pop in Wednesday – Fun for Curious Kids! 🎉

📅 Wednesday 27th May

🕛 12–4pm

📍 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

💸 FREE (donations welcome!)

Looking for a fun way to keep the kids busy this summer? Drop in for Wednesdays packed with hands-on fun and discovery!

🧩 Crack clever puzzles & games
🎨 Get creative with crafts
🗺️ Explore themed museum trails
🕵️ Solve mini-mysteries & challenges
🦖 Learn quirky facts about history, art, and more!
🧠 Activities designed to spark imagination & curiosity

Perfect for families with children of all ages. No need to book – just turn up and join the fun!

Address

Northampton

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

01604 838111

Website

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