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Museums and galleries in Sheffield

12 museums and galleries in Sheffield, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Museums and galleries in Sheffield

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    Bishops' House

    16th-century Grade-II* listed timber frame house, managed as a museum and events venue by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. There are exhibitions on life during the Stuart era, and period-decorated rooms. The historical investigations are ongoing and in 2017, ring-dating of the house's timber framing dropped the bombshell that this was never the residence of bishops, as had long been thought.

    Sat Sun 10AM–4PMFree

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    Graves Gallery

    Sheffield's municipal art collection, with a good chronological selection from the 16th century to the contemporary era. The British, Flemish and French impressionist sections are particularly impressive. Includes works by Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Damien Hirst, L.S. Lowry, Grayson Perry, both Pissarros, Stanley Spencer, JMW Turner and Jan van Goyen. Often has notable travelling exhibitions. The gallery is not especially big, allowing you to see and appreciate everything within two hours. Keep your coat, as some galleries are kept uncomfortably chilly to the extent that blankets are left out for customers to borrow.

    Tue Thu–Sat 11AM–4PM; Wed 1PM–6PM; closed SunFree

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    Kelham Island Museum

    The industrial and social history of Sheffield, within a hipster area that was once the heart of the steel industry. Main attraction is the massive 3-cylinder rolling mill engine (in steam every hour) from the River Don Steelworks.

    Mon–Thu 10AM–4PM, Sun 11AM–4:45PM; inexplicably closed Fri–SatAdults £6, concessions £5, under 16s free

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    Millennium Gallery

    A gallery dedicated to arts, craft and design, with two permanent galleries, and one temporary exhibition space. The Metalwork Gallery includes an extensive collection of Sheffield-made cutlery and extravagant metalwork. The Ruskin Gallery was established by John Ruskin in the 19th century, and is a hotchpotch of different artefacts.

    Mon–Sat 8AM–5PM (exhibitions from 10AM), Sun, bank holidays 11AM–4PMFree

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    National Emergency Services Museum

    The world's largest collection of vehicles, uniforms and memorabilia from the police force, fire brigade and ambulance service.

    Wed–Sun, bank holidays 10AM–4PM. Also open Mon and Tue during school holidaysAdults £8; children 3–15 years old £6; children under 3 years old free; families £22; concessions £7; 999 staff: free

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    National Videogame Museum

    This collection moved from Nottingham at the end of 2018, so is still establishing itself. If you want to play nostalgic games for hours on end, you will adore this place, but if you're looking for any narrative, information, or context, you might find the place lacking. If you go there thinking of it has a retro games arcade rather than a museum, you won't be disappointed.

    School term time: Fri noon-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM; school holidays: daily 10AM-5PM, "late night": 2nd or 3rd Fri of month noon-7PMAdults £14, children/concessions: £11, under 5s/carers: free

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    SIA Gallery

    Sheffield Institute of Arts

    Showcases art from Sheffield Hallam University and the wider community, as well as visiting artists, with a focus on graphic design and contemporary fine art. Always challenging, often thought-provoking and moving. A visit to the gallery is complemented by exploring the itself, which is in the beautifully repurposed central post office building 10 minutes' walk north on Fitzalan Square. It has a café and its own small exhibition space.

    Daily 10AM–5PM. Open until 8PM on WedFree

  8. Buy

    Sheffield Auction Gallery

    Established in 1840, this is the oldest auctioneer in the region. Antiques and collectable auctions are every fortnight, while general auctions take place once a month, and there are other specialist auctions every week.

    View upcoming auction dates here

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    Shepherd Wheel Workshop

    A grade-II listed small cutlery workshop powered only by the rushing waters of Porter Brook. A water-powered cottage cutlery industry flourished in the area between the 1500s and 1930s. See the waterwheel and other machinery in action. Museum partially accessible to disabled visitors.

    Sat Sun bank holiday Mon 10AM–4PM (summer), 11AM–3PM (winter)Free

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    Turner Museum of Glass

    Founded in 1943 by Prof. W.E.S. Turner, this is a significant collection of 19th- and 20th-century glass. It has pieces by all the major European and American glassmakers. There is even a glass wedding dress, worn by Turner's wife! Wheelchair access is limited.

    Mon–Fri 10AM–4PMFree

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    Weston Park Museum

    A pleasant and modern museum, particularly suitable for children, in a fittingly grand old building. Galleries on Sheffield's natural and social history as well as the Arctic, art and treasures. The temporary gallery often hosts touring exhibitions from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

    Mon-Fri 4PM, Sat & Bank Holidays 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-4PMFree

  12. Do Not mapped

    Steel City Beer & Cider Festival

    10-13 October 2018

    Held at Kelham Island Museum. Sheffield's official CAMRA-supported drinking festival has been going for over 40 years. Sample a great many local and international beers, ciders and perries, while enjoying live music and tasty street food from local producers.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Sheffield (CC BY-SA 4.0).