.

Penrith and Eden Museum

Penrith and Eden Museum reopened following improvement works

Penrith and Eden Museum has now reopened following refurbishment and alterations designed to make it more accessible to disabled visitors and improve the displays. A major addition is an audio visual system featuring a short film 'Stones From the Sky' commissioned from artist and archaeologist Aaron Watson. It is inspired by the prehistoric axes which were made from stone quarried from the Lakeland fells in prehistoric times. Examples of these are displayed along with other neolithic artefacts in a new ground-floor gallery. The alterations have increased space for temporary exhibitions and educational workshops.

Extract from 'Stones from the Sky'

  Extract from Stones From The Sky part 1 Extract from Stones From The Sky part 2 b_gh3XGsc9s

BBC 'A History of the World Project'

A History of the World is a partnership between the BBC and the British Museum that extends across the UK. Museums across the country have teamed up with the BBC in their area and chosen objects from their own collections that reflect world history from each area's perspective. Our chosen object is 'Trooper Pearson's photograph'.

About the Museum

The Museum is located at the heart of the bustling market town of Penrith.

It is housed in the former Robinson's School, an Elizabethan building dating from 1670 and used as a school until the early 1970s. The building originally a charity school for poor girls was converted by us in 1990 into a local history museum and Tourist Information Centre.

Inside you can explore the history, geology and archaeology of Penrith and the Eden Valley. Exhibits include pottery from the Roman fort near Plumpton and prehistoric 'cup and ring' stones from Little Meg Stone Circle. There is also gallery space which provides a year-round programme of exhibitions of both historical and contemporary arts interest.

Exhibitions and Events

The current temporary exhibition is 'Exploring the Collections at Penrith and Eden Museum'

The Museum will be holding a Finds Day as part of the annual Open Heritage Days, on Saturday 11 September between 10am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

Penrith - A Historical Record in Photographs

The Museum has published a fully illustrated book "Penrith - A Historical Record in Photographs" about the history of Penrith and the surrounding district which is available from the Tourist Information Centre, price £15 plus postage and packing.

Living Among the Monuments

Supported by a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative (Heritage Lottery Fund), the museum has been exploring the amazing Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape of the Vale of Eden through the 'Living Among the Monuments' project. A free colour brochure with more information about the project is available from the museum. We have also been Field Walking the Vale of Eden and volunteers are especially welcome to come along and help.

Outreach and Education Workshops

Workshops and handling sessions offer an opportunity to discover objects normally kept in the storerooms. Building on the museum visit, schools and other groups can then book outreach workshops with one of our creative team. Find more educational resource material by looking at Education and Lifelong Learning. To learn more about the area in the Second World War see 'The Home Front in Penrith and Eden'.

Expert advice is available without charge

The Museum curators are pleased to supply additional information about the collections and to offer advice on the history of Penrith and the Vale of Eden. If have a historical item of interest that you would like to identify, or perhaps donate, please arrange to visit us on 01768 865105, or by email at museum@eden.gov.uk.

Opening times

Open all year
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm.
Sunday, April to October, 1pm - 4.45pm.
Admission is free

Robinson's School, Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT

Penrith and Eden Museum new and refurbished gallery
Former Robinsons School which now houses Penrith Museum
Local Heritage Initiative logo