Museum
The Museum houses thousands of items, relics of the lost lead industry, which are explained and interpreted in an imaginative and thought-provoking exhibition. These include hundreds of rock and mineral specimens from around the world. Interactive exhibits and climbing tunnels, provide something for the young and the young at heart.
Our Top 3 Exhibits
The Wills Founder Water Pressure Engine
This massive pumping engine is the centre-piece of the museum. It was built in Coalbrookdale in 1819, a feat of engineering, and resourcefully used the pressure created by falling water to pump water from deep underground.
Climbing and crawling tunnels
The three mock-mine tunnels in the museum are favourites for many of our visitors, of all ages!
The Howie Mineral Collection
Professor Howie donated over 3000 mineral specimens from around the world to the museum, which had been collected throughout his lifetime. A large selection of these are on display. We do not have space to display them all!
New Exhibition - Matlock Bath Through Time
Find out how Matlock Bath changed from a lead mining hamlet, to a spa considered as fine as Harrogate or Buxton, then to a inland sea-side style resort for day trippers.
Opening Times 2018-2019
1st April – 2nd September: open every day 10am – 5pm
3rd September - 4 November: open every day 11am - 4pm
1st November - 1st April 2019: 11am - 4pm weekends only (apart from pre-booked groups)
Please note that the museum will open at 11am on Monday 2nd July to allow for staff training.
Prices
| Under 5 | Adult | Child (Age 5 to 17 inclusive) |
Concession (Over 60s, students, disabled) |
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Museum | free | £4 | £3 | £3.50 | £12 |
| Mine | free | £4.50 | £3.50 | £4 | £13.50 |
| Museum & Mine | free | £7 | £5 | £6 | £20 |
Accessibility
The museum has two levels with a household flight of stairs between. The ground floor is fully accessible. There is a stair-lift for access to the upper level and a wheelchair upstairs.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the museum, so long as they are well-behaved and kept on a short lead.
