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GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS
The Beacon Museum offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions to complement the display of its permanent collection that’s suitable for the whole family. These range from major blockbusters often curated by staff, here at the Museum, to touring exhibitions and works on loan from other institutions.
Current gallery closure;
Please note that our Harbour Gallery is temporarily closed for exhibition changeover and will reopen on 24 October, while our Light & Dark Gallery will reopen on 31 October. Thank you for your patience while we get everything ready.
Please note that galleries in the Museum may be closed for maintenance, refurbishment, and exhibition changeover. All planned closures will be listed here. Occasionally we may need to close galleries at short notice for safety reasons. We regret that in these cases we’re not always able to alert the public in advance.
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EXHIBITIONS
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EXHIBITION – Harbour Gallery *OPENING SOON*
24 October 2026 – 31 January 2027
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixty-second year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Beacon Museum on 24 October 2026, featuring some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.
The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.
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EXHIBITION – Light and Dark Gallery *COMING SOON*
31 October 2026 – February 2027
PILLAR 200: 200 YEARS OF CLIMBING IN ENGLAND AND WALES
The Mountain Heritage Trust is marking 200 years of climbing history with Pillar 200, exploring the development of rock climbing in England and Wales from 9th July 1826 to the present day.
Two centuries later, Pillar 200 explores how climbing has evolved through stories, photographs and objects drawn from collections across the climbing community.
On display will be material from the Mountain Heritage Trust, the Fell and Rock Climbing Club, guidebook writer and Needle Sport founder Stephen Reid, DMM, and the Abraham Brothers.
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OUR GALLERIES
THE MEZZANINE
TAKE A TRIP BACK INTO THE NOT-TOO – DISTANT PAST
Up on the Mezzanine level is the POP Gallery – 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Discover toys, ride a chopper bike, 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.
CHANGING TIMES
Discover how Whitehaven was transformed from a small fishing hamlet to one of the most important ports in the country by the influential Lowther family.
Learn about the area’s American Connections and discover how merchant ships returned to port laden with exotic goods from around the world.
Unravel the mysteries of timekeeping and navigation before joining the crew aboard the “Maria Lowther”.
Find out about the cramped living conditions of “Mount Pleasant”.
THE SELLAFIELD STORY
The Sellafield Story invites visitors to explore the history of nuclear power in Cumberland and discover the story of how West Cumbria supported the World War efforts.
Learn how new technology was pioneered here and how the early weapons programme grew into a nuclear industry, which has supported the local economy for the past 60 years.
VR MINE EXPERIENCE
Grab your lamp and pick axe and go ‘down pit’ in our virtual reality mine experience.
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, currently on display 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