Centuries of regional and international history comes to life at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Browse masterpieces by some of Derby’s most esteemed artists, examples of Derbyshire porcelain and an unearthed numismatic collection. Artifacts from the settlements of ancient tribes and empires add to the intrigue at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
The museum boasts one of the finest exhibitions of Derby-born painter Joseph Wright. He was famous for his connection with members of the Enlightenment movement and the Lunar Society. Highlights include A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery, The Alchymist and The Widow of an Indian Chief. Benjamin West, E.E. Clark and father and son George and William Lakin are among other featured artists.
Learn about the services of three Derbyshire military regiments via maps, photographs, uniforms and weapons in the Soldier’s Story exhibition. Relive the time when Charles Edward Stuart, aka Bonnie Prince Charlie, stayed in Derby in 1745 before retreating to Scotland after a failed attempt to take the British throne. The Derbyshire Unearthed gallery displays fascinating examples of coins from the Roman and medieval eras plus amulets, jewelry pieces and Viking silver.
In the archaeological gallery you’ll find Bronze Age, Roman, Saxon and Tudor objects, including a gold coin found at Codnor Castle. Come face-to-face with two Egyptian mummies, which date back to 650 B.C. and 250 B.C. Then have fun spotting 2,000 animal species in the nature galleries.
Admire the delicate detail of porcelain figurines and tableware in the Ceramics Gallery. Many of the pieces were produced in the 18th century by Royal Crown Derby. Set within the gallery is the museum’s award-winning café, where you can sip on coffees and order from a menu of sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free, although donations are welcome. The museum is a short walk from the Cathedral Quarter and the city’s railway station. Drivers can park for a fee at the nearby Bold Lane Car Park.
