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'
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
