Discover the Stories of Peterborough: Explore The Museum Galleries
Step into Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery and uncover the rich history, culture, and creativity that have shaped our city. From prehistoric discoveries to modern masterpieces, our galleries offer a fascinating journey through time, bringing to life the people, events, and innovations that define Peterborough’s unique heritage.
Jurassic Gallery
Journey back 150 million years to when Peterborough was submerged under a vast tropical sea. Marvel at one of the world’s finest collections of Jurassic marine reptiles, featuring unique specimens of Ichthyosaurs, Pliosaurs, and Plesiosaurs. Discover the prehistoric giants that once dominated our region.
Ice Age Gallery
Witness the dramatic transformations of our landscape during the Ice Ages. Encounter the creatures that roamed these lands, from Elephants and Hippopotami to the now-extinct Mammoths and Woolly Rhinos. Experience the ebb and flow of glacial epochs that shaped our environment.
Wildlife Gallery
Delve into the rich biodiversity of Peterborough’s habitats, from grasslands and gardens to wetlands and woodlands. Explore the surprising array of plant and animal species thriving in both urban settings and the surrounding countryside, highlighting the city’s natural beauty and ecological significance.
Archaeology Gallery
Uncover the stories of Peterborough’s past through an impressive collection of over 500 artefacts unearthed from local archaeological sites. Gain insights into technological advancements and significant historical events, and glimpse into the daily lives of inhabitants from Prehistory to the Medieval period.
The Victorian Operating Theatre
Step into one of the country’s last surviving historic operating theatres and explore Peterborough’s medical history. Discover the grisly surgical practices of the past, view original surgical equipment, and learn about the people who lived, worked, and died in the infirmary, including the tragic end of one of England’s pioneering radiographers.
Norman Cross Gallery
Explore the fascinating history of the world’s first purpose-built prisoner of war camp, established in 1796 just outside Peterborough at Norman Cross. This gallery showcases intricate bone models, automata, and straw marquetry crafted by Napoleonic prisoners, reflecting resilience and creativity in captivity.
Changing Lives Gallery
Trace Peterborough’s evolution over three centuries, from a rural backwater to a bustling, multicultural city. Discover how the advent of the railways, two world wars, and increasing affluence transformed the lives of its residents and the city’s landscape.
Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in a dynamic programme of temporary and touring exhibitions featuring both local and nationally renowned artists. Showcasing all forms of art, the gallery spans three rooms on the ground floor, offering a versatile space for creative expression and cultural engagement.
Community Gallery
Experience exhibitions curated with and by the community in this bright and open space at the heart of the museum. These evolving displays provide a platform for local stories, fostering a sense of shared heritage and collective identity.
Each gallery invites you to connect with Peterborough’s multifaceted history, natural environment, and artistic endeavours, offering an enriching experience for all visitors.