Harris Museum

Harris Museum is a premier cultural institution located in Preston, Lancashire, England, founded by Edmund Robert Harris in 1893. The museum is situated in the heart of the city, near Preston Bus Station and Avenham Park, and is part of the Lancashire County Council's museum service, which also includes the Lancaster City Museum and the Clitheroe Castle Museum. The Harris Museum is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the North West England region, including Manchester, Liverpool, and Blackpool. The museum's collections and exhibitions have been recognized by VisitEngland and Arts Council England.

● History

The Harris Museum has a rich and varied history, dating back to the 19th century when it was founded by Edmund Robert Harris, a wealthy Preston-based lawyer and Member of Parliament for the Preston (UK Parliament constituency). The museum was built on a site previously occupied by the Preston Guild Hall and was designed by the renowned architect James Hibbert, who also designed the Blackpool Town Hall and the Lancaster Town Hall. The museum's history is closely tied to that of the city of Preston, which has a long and storied past, including its involvement in the English Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. The museum has also been recognized for its contributions to the cultural heritage of Lancashire, alongside other institutions such as the Lancashire Record Office and the University of Central Lancashire.

● Collections

The Harris Museum's collections are diverse and extensive, featuring a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Preston and Lancashire. The museum's collections include works by famous artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and L.S. Lowry, as well as a significant collection of ceramics and textiles from around the world, including pieces from China, Japan, and India. The museum also has a large collection of archaeological artifacts, including Roman and Egyptian relics, which are comparable to those found in the British Museum and the Manchester Museum. The Harris Museum's collections have been recognized by The Art Fund and the Museums Association, and have been used in exhibitions at other institutions, such as the Tate Britain and the National Gallery.

● Architecture

The Harris Museum's building is a notable example of Victorian architecture, designed by James Hibbert in the Neoclassical style. The building features a grand portico and a large cupola, and is constructed from sandstone and brick. The museum's architecture is similar to that of other notable buildings in Preston, such as the Preston Town Hall and the Avenham Church, and is part of the city's conservation area. The building has been recognized by English Heritage and the Royal Institute of British Architects, and has been used as a model for other museum buildings, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Museum of Liverpool.

● Exhibitions

The Harris Museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by local, national, and international artists. The museum has exhibited works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Claude Monet, as well as photographers such as Annie Leibovitz and Don McCullin. The museum's exhibitions have been recognized by The Guardian and The Times, and have been used to promote the work of local artists and community groups, such as the Preston Arts Association and the Lancashire Artists Network. The Harris Museum has also collaborated with other institutions, such as the Tate Liverpool and the Whitworth Art Gallery, to host exhibitions and events.

● Education

The Harris Museum offers a wide range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including workshops, tours, and lectures. The museum's education program is designed to promote cultural awareness and historical understanding, and features collaborations with local schools and universities, such as the University of Central Lancashire and the Lancaster University. The museum's education program has been recognized by Ofsted and the Department for Education, and has been used as a model for other museum education programs, such as those at the British Museum and the National Museum of Wales. The Harris Museum has also partnered with other institutions, such as the BBC and the Wellcome Trust, to develop educational resources and activities. Category:Museums in Lancashire