Derby Museum and Art Gallery is a museum and art gallery based in Derby, England. It was established in 1879, along with Derby Central Library, in a new building designed by Richard Knill Freeman and given to Derby by Michael Thomas Bass.
With longstanding and temporary exhibits, the Museum and Art Gallery boasts paintings and artefacts that are of both local and international significance. Visit our exquisite collection of Joseph Wright paintings. March through our Soldier’s Story exhibition to see the range of weaponry and objects, both military and personal. Pop on your adventure hat and explore historic artefacts from thousands of years ago, within our Archaeology Gallery.
We regularly update our collections, so there will always be something new – no two visits will ever be the same! Once you’ve satisfied your inner explorer, relax and unwind in The Coffee House with locally sourced cake and coffee, surrounded by a collection of historical porcelain. There is also a newly refurbished shop of unique souvenirs and art materials to browse at your own leisure.
Accessibility
Situated in the heart of the city centre, in the Cathedral Quarter, Derby Museum and Art Gallery is home to a fascinating and diverse range of nationally (and internationally) significant collections. The museum is part of Derby Museums Trust which runs three museums in the city: Derby Museum and Art Gallery, The Silk Mill and Pickford’s House. The Museum and Art Gallery is best known for the Joseph Wright of Derby collection.
The museum is based on three floors with lift access from the ground floor to all levels. An induction loop is available at reception and Visitor Services Assistants are on hand throughout the museum to offer assistance. We are an established member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme.
CAR PARKING AND ARRIVAL
- Derby Museum and Art Gallery has no on-site parking facilities.
- There are limited parking spaces for Blue Badge holders on the Strand opposite the entrance to the museum.
- The nearest off site car park is Parksafe on Bold Lane, 50 metres from the museum, which has 350 daytime spaces. There is a charge of £5 for up to 4 hours. There are 11 clearly marked Blue Badge parking spaces available free of charge.
- A drop off point outside the museum is available if booked in advance.
- All pavements surrounding the entrance are well paved and flat.
- The main entrance door is automatic door and opens to 1550mm/61 inches.
MAIN ENTRANCE, RECEPTION AND TICKETING AREA
To ensure social distancing and to create a safe, one-way linear route through our galleries, our main visitor entrance will be temporarily located on The Strand:
- This has 3 steps from the pavement to a foyer area
- There is then a large flight of stairs to the upper galleries comprising: 2 steps to a small landing; 9 steps to a small landing; 17 steps to a small landing; two steps to a large landing and then 3 steps into the World Collection Gallery where the linear route begins.
- A buggy park is located at the bottom of these stairs.
- There is no hearing loop.
- The area is lit with a series of wall lights giving a good level of illumination as well as natural daylight from above.
ATTRACTION (DISPLAYS, EXHIBITS, RIDES ETC.)
There is an interactive map in the Soldier’s Story gallery which can be accessed from either a standing or sitting position.
- Interpretation boards are in large text in some galleries.
- Most exhibits are held in glass cabinets and some may not be visible if eye line is below 1 metre.
- Seating is available throughout the first floor of the museum.
- Floor surfaces are mostly wood and laminate throughout the museum.
- The lighting in the galleries is generally bright and evenly lit with fluorescent lights and spots, however, some galleries are dimly lit to aid the preservation of exhibits.
PUBLIC TOILETS AND HAND-WASHING FACILITIES
- Two unisex public toilets are located on the top floor, which are accessible by a lift from all floors.
- An accessible toilet is available on the first floor which is accessible by a lift from all floors.
- The door is opened with a touch pad, and is 810mm/32 inches wide.
- The toilet is 460mm/18 inches high.
- The transfer space is towards the right hand side and is approximately 910mm/36 inches.
- There are three handrails behind the toilet, two vertical and one horizontal.
- Toilet flushes, hand driers and taps are motion activated in all toilets.
- Flooring is non-slip tiles and of a cream colour to contrast with the black wall tiles.
- Emergency pull cord in accessible toilet, which has a flashing and audible alarm.
