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You are here: Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Museums & Galleries
Staffordshire Museums & Galleries
You’ll uncover more than 1000 years of history and creativity in museums and art galleries in Staffordshire.
Since the first recorded mention of Staffordshire in 1016, the county has forged a reputation as The Creative County.
From ceramic museums and visitor centres to collections showcasing our industrial heritage and Staffordshire’s best artists, our fascinating story offers plenty to discover whatever your passion.
Explore the life and work of Josiah Wedgwood and his family at the Wedgwood Museum at World of Wedgwood, home to the priceless Portland Vase dating back to 1790.
Lose yourself at the world’s last complete Victorian pottery factory, the Gladstone Pottery Museum, home to iconic bottle kilns and skilled craftspeople making clay pots, flowers, animals and more.
Have a go at throwing, making or decorating a unique souvenir of your visit.
Experience life in a World War One trench at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, dedicated to the people of Staffordshire who have served the UK in conflict, and hear re-enactments of ancient battles.
And the Etruria Industrial Museum offers a fascinating insight into the growth of the UK canal network, thanks in no small part to Staffordshire’s own James Brindley, the pioneering canal engineer.
Free museums in Staffordshire
Admire the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world, a World War Two Spitfire fighter plane – designed by Stoke-on-Trent’s own Reginald Mitchell – and items from the Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest ever find of Anglo-Saxon gold, at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
Dig deep into Staffordshire’s mining heritage at the Museum of Cannock Chase, which is packed with tales of how the area developed into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and contributed to Britain’s war efforts in the early 20th Century.
Delve into the history of the Royal Air Force at the RAF Museum Cosford, and get up close to restored military planes including the world’s oldest Spitfire.
Learn about our cultural heroes Samuel Johnson and David Garrick on a visit to the historic city of Lichfield.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum reveals all about the creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary, while one of the best theatres in Staffordshire, the Garrick Theatre, is a hotbed of cultural activity which the celebrated 17th Century actor would have been proud of.
Galleries in Staffordshire
Get to know artists old and new, including The Lowry of The Potteries Arthur Berry, in the outstanding collection at Barewall Gallery.
The Art Deco talents of potters Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper are on show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, while Trent Art specialises in modern British painters, particularly those depicting scenes from North Staffordshire.
Emporium Art Gallery is a favourite with fans of contemporary textile artists, ceramicists, photographers and jewellers, while The Trentham Estate is a joy, with numerous galleries and boutiques to explore in their shopping village.
And at Weston Park, the Granary Art Gallery is an uplifting space which showcases contemporary artists from across the UK throughout the year.
HighlightsFind Something More
Middleport Pottery
Winner - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Experience of the Year 2019. (Historic Narrowboat…
Brampton Museum
Brampton Museum consists of a number of galleries featuring collections telling the story of…
National Memorial Arboretum
Winner - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Business Events Venue of the Year 2019. The National…
Spode Museum Trust Heritage Centre
A fascinating exhibition at Josiah Spode's former pottery, the birthplace of bone china. There are…
Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
The Nicholson Gallery is housed within the Nicholson Institute and is a living example of late…
Etruria Industrial Museum
Etruria Industrial Museum and Heritage Centre, the home of Jesse Shirley’s Bone and Flint Mill -…
Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre
An impressive example of the motte and bailey system. The site itself extends to over 26 acres and…
The Nicholson War Memorial
Sir Arthur Nicholson presented the memorial to the town in memory of his son who was killed in…
World of Wedgwood
The World of Wedgwood, a unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial…
Ford Green Hall
Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse, complete with period garden offering…
The National Brewery Centre
The National Brewery Centre celebrates Burton upon Trent's proud brewing heritage and its influence…
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Winner - Silver Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019. Discover…
Museum of Cannock Chase
The Museum of Cannock Chase illustrates the rich social and industrial heritage of the Cannock…
Tamworth Castle
A visit to Tamworth Castle takes you back in time and offers a perfect blend of fascinating…
Kedleston Hall
Administered by The National Trust. Take a trip back in time to the 1760s at this spectacular…
Weston Park
Weston Park is one of the most welcoming stately homes with as much character as any English castle…
Izaak Walton's Cottage
Thatched timber framed 16th century cottage bequeathed to the people of Staford by the celebrated…
Shugborough Estate
An oasis of Grade 1 listed parkland in the heart of Staffordshire, Shugborough provides a great day…
- 1Middleport Pottery
- 2Brampton Museum
- 3National Memorial Arboretum
- 4Spode Museum Trust Heritage Centre
- 5Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
- 6Etruria Industrial Museum
- 7Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre
- 8The Nicholson War Memorial
- 9World of Wedgwood
- 10Ford Green Hall
- 11The National Brewery Centre
- 12Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
- 13Museum of Cannock Chase
- 14Tamworth Castle
- 15Kedleston Hall
- 16Weston Park
- 17Izaak Walton's Cottage
- 18Shugborough Estate
