Discover a fascinating art collection and a showcase of regional and international history at the Warrington Museum & Art Gallery. Among the museum’s catalogue of over 200,000 exhibits are archaeological findings, natural science objects and interactive activities. The Warrington Museum & Art Gallery began as a natural history museum in 1848 and inaugurated the art gallery in 1877. The museum building, including the glass cabinets, remains little changed from its construction in the 1850s.
The natural history galleries hold some of the museum’s oldest and most valuable objects. Peruse displays of birds, fish, insects and mammals and then understand the economic benefits of various plant species. Chirotherium footprints and a replica of the ticinosuchus dinosaur are highlights of the geology section. In the World Stories exhibit, Egyptian coffins and Japanese netsuke (miniature sculptures), among other objects, celebrate different cultures.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy traveling back in time to Victoria-era Warrington via hands-on activities in the Time Tunnel. Dress up in period clothing and learn about the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution. Marvel at archeology discoveries that date back to the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Roman period. Most notable are the ceramics, coins, glassware and jewelry found at a Roman settlement in Warrington’s Wilderspool district.
Take your time to stroll through the art gallery, home to masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. John Warrington Woods’ magnificent sculpture St. Michael Overcoming Satan is a highlight. Admire paintings by Henry Woods, Jan van Os, L.S. Lowry and Sir Luke Fildes. The space for rotating exhibitions provides a platform for urban artists such as Banksy, Candice Tripp and Tracey Emin.
You’ll find the museum in Warrington’s Cultural Quarter. Warrington Bus Station and Warrington Central railway station are less than 10 minutes’ walk away. Free parking is possible at the Pyramid Arts Center, although spaces are limited.
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery is open daily, except for Sunday and public holidays. Admission is free. A schedule of events and special exhibitions is available on the museum’s official website.
