Galleries and exhibitions
Discover and explore four floors of family friendly galleries and exhibitions.
The Beacon Museum offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions to complement the display of its permanent collection. These range from major blockbusters often curated by staff, here at the Museum, to touring exhibitions and works on loan from other institutions.
Special exhibitions
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Visit the world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum.
26 October 2024 – 26 January 2025 | The Harbour Gallery
Stormy Scene by William Fortescue, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Credit: © William Fortescue.
Fabric to Fashion
Uncovering the stories of local manufacturers Edgards, Kangol, Millers and Sekers, their role in the community and how they exported their work around the world.
21 SEPTEMBER 2024 – 22 DECEMBER 2024 | The Light and Dark Gallery
Galleries
MEZZANINE
Up on the Mezzanine level is the Pop Culture Gallery – 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Take a trip back in the not-too-distant past; discover toys, ride a Chopper bike, play connect 4 and present the weather forecast.
VIEWING GALLERY
Be amazed by what you can discover from the stunning 4th floor Viewing Gallery.
Use the powerful telescopes, object displays and our helpful, easy to read digital interactives to find out about the town and harbour of Whitehaven, its development and geology.
VR MINE EXPERIENCE
Grab your lamp and pick axe and go ‘down pit’ in our virtual reality mine experience.
CHANGING TIMES
Discover how we’ve evolved through time and the development of Whitehaven from a small fishing hamlet to one of the most important ports in the country, led by the Lowther family.
Unravel the mysteries of timekeeping and navigation before joining the crew aboard the “Maria Lowther”.
THE SELLAFIELD STORY
New interactives. New information.
Discover the story of how West Cumbria supported the war effort, and afterwards, how new technology was pioneered right here to give the UK a nuclear deterrent.
BRONZE AGE GOLD ARM RING
A joint acquisition between The Beacon Museum and Tullie, Carlisle.
This exceptionally rare find is one of few gold Bronze Age objects found in Cumbria and will be on display in our 3rd floor gallery from 18 November 2023 – September 2024, after which it will be displayed at Tullie.
Purchased with support from Art Fund, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Cumberland Council, Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, and Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Acquired under the Treasure Act 1996