City Museum
Discover more about the City of Lancaster, one of England’s Heritage Cities, from the pre-historic era through to today. Our immersive galleries are packed with objects and stories exploring every aspect of the history of this wonderful city and its people.

The impressive City Museum is housed in Lancaster’s former town hall, right on the edge of the busy Market Square. The elegant Georgian building was constructed between 1781-3 to the designs of Major Thomas Jarrett and Thomas Harrison.
The museum itself was founded in 1923 and its varied collection and dioramas lead visitors through the social and industrial history and archaeology of Lancaster, and the stories of the people who have made the city what it is today. Don't miss our fine art collection or the programme of changing exhibitions in our ground floor gallery.
The City Museum building is also home to the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, a fascinating insight into the military heritage of the city’s own regiment from 1680 onwards.
Monday | 10:30 – 16:00 |
Tuesday | 10:30 – 16:00 |
Wednesday | CLOSED |
Thursday | CLOSED |
Friday | 10:30 – 16:00 |
Saturday | 10:30 – 16:00 |
Sunday | 10:30 – 16:00 |
The City Museum is OPEN as usual for all spring & summer Bank Holidays. Closed Christmas and New Year.
- Please check the web pages for our other museums to see their opening days and times, as each museum is different.
- Dogs: Only assistance dogs are permitted in the museum. This is because even well-behaved dogs are curious, and they sometimes need the loo. We can’t risk it for the sake of our fragile museum objects, which might get knocked over by a very waggy tail, and other visitors who may be nervous around dogs.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: 12th - 20th June, Stairlift Replacement Work
The long-awaited new stairlift at the City Museum is due to be installed in June. The upper floor of the museum will be temporarily closed on certain days while work on the staircase is completed. At these times we will be offering FREE admission to the ground floor only, including the temporary exhibition Insus Unearthed, and our display on Richard Owen and the Iguanodon.
- Thursday 12 June - Lancaster Day! Special opening with free admission to ground floor only.
- Friday 13 June, Morning - Ground floor only, free admission.
- Friday 13 June, Afternoon - Fully open with normal admission charges.
- Sat 14 & Sun 15 June - Fully open with normal admission charges.
- Mon 16 & Tues 17 June - Ground floor only, free admission.
- Friday 20 June - Ground floor only, free admission.
Standard Tickets (Single Visit)
Lancaster District Residents | FREE |
Children (under 18) | FREE – must be accompanied by a responsible adult if under 16. |
Carers accompanying a disabled visitor | FREE |
1 Adult from outside the Lancaster District | £5 |
Joint ticket – 2 Adults from outside the Lancaster District | £8 |
Multipass Tickets
Our weekly and annual passes are ideal for holidays or for regular visitors to the district, providing unlimited entry to all three of our museums:
- Lancaster Maritime Museum
- Lancaster City Museum (including the King’s Own Regimental gallery)
- The Cottage Museum (open Saturdays only, April-September)
Weekly Pass – 1 adult, 3 museums, 1 week | £8 |
Annual Pass – 1 adult, 3 museums, 1 year | £10 |

From our ever-changing exhibitions to talks, tours, kids' craft sessions and more, you can find details of events and activities at all our museums here:
Or keep up to date with all the latest news on social media: