Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery at a glance
- What
- City museum and art gallery in a historic Georgian building
- Where
- Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF
- Admission
- General admission is free, although charges may apply to some activities or exhibitions
- Collections
- Archaeology, natural history, social history and fine art
- Highlights
- Jurassic marine reptiles, Norman Cross craftwork and a Victorian operating theatre
- Facilities
- Café, gift shop, accessible toilets, seating and public Wi-Fi
A grand Georgian building filled with fossils, archaeology, art and stories from everyday life. Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery brings more than 150 million years of the area’s past together under one historic roof.
Peterborough’s story begins long before the city itself. Marine reptiles from the Jurassic seas, prehistoric tools and traces of Roman life reveal how the landscape changed across millions of years. Visitors can place these discoveries within the wider story using Discover Peterborough’s interactive history timeline.
The archaeological galleries explore communities that lived around the fen edge, from the area’s first inhabitants to Roman Peterborough. They provide useful context for visiting places such as Flag Fen Archaeology Park, where Bronze Age remains survive within the landscape in which they were created.
Other galleries examine more recent chapters. Intricate objects made by prisoners at Norman Cross sit alongside social-history collections reflecting work, domestic life and the growth of modern Peterborough. The Victorian operating theatre recalls the building’s earlier use as an infirmary and offers an atmospheric glimpse of historical medical practice.
The Art Gallery adds another dimension, presenting works from the museum’s fine-art collection alongside temporary displays. Its Priestgate location also makes the museum a natural starting point for exploring the Cathedral Quarter and Peterborough’s wider heritage.
What to expect
Jurassic Gallery
Discover marine reptiles and other fossils preserved in the Oxford Clay, evidence of the warm seas that once covered the Peterborough area.
First People
Explore prehistoric tools, objects and discoveries that reveal how people adapted to life beside the wetlands and waterways of the fen edge.
Roman Peterborough
Find out about Roman settlement, trade, industry and everyday life across the Nene Valley and the wider Peterborough landscape.
Norman Cross
See delicate craftwork made by prisoners of war held at Norman Cross and uncover the human stories associated with the historic depot.
Victorian operating theatre
Step into an atmospheric room recalling the building’s medical past and the very different conditions faced by Victorian patients and surgeons.
The Art Gallery
Explore fine art and visual culture in a gallery space used to present works from the collection and a changing range of displays.
Planning your visit
- Address
- Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF.
- Before visiting
- Check the museum’s official website or contact its team for current opening, admission, access and gallery information.
- Admission
- General admission is usually free. Charges may apply to selected exhibitions, activities or special visitor days.
- By train
- Peterborough railway station is approximately 550 metres away by the signed step-free route.
- By bus
- Queensgate Bus Station is a short walk from the museum through the city centre.
- Parking
- There is no general visitor parking on site. Several public city-centre car parks are within walking distance.
- Cycling
- Bicycle racks are positioned to the right of the museum entrance. Bring a suitable lock.
- Step-free entrance
- The Priestgate entrance has steps. A signed step-free route is available through the staff car park to the right.
- Getting around
- A lift serves the City Gallery and main upper-floor galleries. The operating theatre and vaults do not have step-free access.
- Accessible facilities
- Facilities include an accessible parking bay, accessible toilets and a wheelchair which can be reserved in advance.
- Visitor support
- Assistance dogs are welcome. Large-print and Braille guides are available, together with a photographic Visual Story.
- Café and shop
- A café and museum shop are located on the ground floor and are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Photography
- Personal photography is generally permitted, but visitors should follow any restrictions displayed beside objects or exhibitions.
- Group visits
- Larger groups should contact the museum before visiting so that the team can advise on arrangements.
- Contact
- Call 01733 864663 or email museum@peterboroughlimited.co.uk.
Explore more of Peterborough
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Discover museums, historic buildings, archaeological sites and cultural attractions across Peterborough.
Explore the sectionPeterborough History
Journey from Jurassic seas and prehistoric settlements to the railway age and modern city.
Explore the timelinePeterborough Art Trail
Find sculpture, murals, mosaics and other works woven through the city’s streets and open spaces.
Discover Peterborough artCathedral Quarter
Explore the historic streets, architecture and landmarks surrounding Priestgate and Cathedral Square.
Explore the quarterVisitor arrangements, admission, gallery access and facilities can change. Check the museum’s official website or contact its team before travelling, particularly if you have specific access requirements.