The building was once the home of the inventor Dr. Thomas Walker, who designed the 'Walker's Patent' fire escape.
During World War I, the building functioned as an auxiliary hospital, treating over 3,000 wounded soldiers.
The museum houses the original Victorian operating theatre, preserved in its historical state.
The collection includes rare fossils of Callovian marine reptiles discovered in local brick pits.
It holds a significant archive of the city’s brick-making history, which was once the cornerstone of the local economy.
The museum grounds contain remnants of the site's previous use as a private mansion and gardens.
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery is housed in a former Victorian private residence that served as a hospital during the First World War. The collections span over 200,000 items, focusing on the social and industrial history of Peterborough. Visitors can explore the remains of the Flag Fen Bronze Age settlement and extensive Roman-era artifacts from the nearby Durobrivae site. The art gallery features a rotating schedule of local and national touring exhibitions. The building is reported to be haunted, with the 'White Lady' ghost being a frequent subject of local lore. Geological displays include significant Jurassic marine fossil collections found in the region's clay pits. The facility also functions as a community hub, hosting regular workshops and historical re-enactments.
The ornate Victorian staircase in the central hall.
Check the official website for rotating exhibition dates before arrival.
Allow extra time to visit the basement areas where the historical operating theatre is located.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Peterborough Cathedral, located a short walk away.
Do not attempt to touch artifacts in open displays; keep photography flash-free to protect light-sensitive historical textiles.
Closed on Mondays, except for bank holidays.
