About The Harris
Welcome to The Harris, Preston's cultural hub, located at Preston's Flag Market. The Harris is the cultural heartbeat of Preston, a hub of creativity and community that showcases the best of art, literature, history, and fashion. The Harris serves as a cultural hub, bringing together communities and promoting creativity and learning. Through exhibitions, events, resources, and spaces The Harris celebrates the diversity of Preston and beyond, and make culture accessible to all, free of charge. It's an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, experience the richness of art, culture, and knowledge, explore new ideas, and connect with their community.
The Harris has undergone the ambitious reimagining journey of The Harris Your Place Project. Thanks to invaluable support, this £19 million endeavour has allowed us to restore and reimagine The Harris for the 21st Century audience, transforming it into a dynamic community, cultural, and learning space.
Accessibility: The Harris welcomes guide and assistance dogs, and an induction loop is fitted throughout the building. In the annex on the ground floor, there is a Changing Places toilet, an ambulant toilet, gender-neutral toilets, and baby changing facilities. There are also male and female toilets within the main building. A set of lockers are available for public use. If you need to park close by, you'll find Blue Badge parking available in Jacson Street. Sat Nav: PR1 2PP. There are ramps at The Harris entrance on Market Square. There is also level access from Lancaster Road at the rear of the building. There is lift access to the main floors, and all the gallery spaces have level access. Due to the architecture of the building, The Egyptian Balcony is not accessible. There is an audiovisual guide to The Egyptian Balcony, available on the second floor for visitors who are unable to access the balcony.
Collections: Explore ceramics, history, fashion, glass, art and even a 13,000-year-old elk. The Harris believes in transforming lives through art and culture. The collections are at the heart of the cultural hub, beautiful, surprising, challenging, and inspiring. Whether it's a centuries-old painting or a delicate piece of local lace, every object helps tell the story of Preston and the world beyond.
Library: The Harris has dedicated library and reading spaces, but you'll find books woven throughout the museum and galleries. As you wander around the exhibitions, you'll notice carefully chosen books connected to the objects and artworks on display. Step into a world of stories, knowledge, and discovery. Whether you're looking for your next great read, a quiet corner to relax, or a place to explore rare texts, The Harris' library spaces are perfect for you. There is a massive selection of books for everyone, from the latest novels to loved classics, useful non-fiction, and even historical, specialist works. The family section is a magical space full of colourful picture books, entertaining stories, and fun activities to spark imaginations. If you're a heritage fan then you'll love the rare and historic books collection, a very special glimpse into the past.
The Harris shop: Discover beautiful gifts, including Harris and Preston merchandise and unique gifts from local artists. Pop into The Harris Shop or buy online. By supporting The Harris Shop, you are contributing to The Harris' work and helping to ensure the continued operation of the building and care for collections.
Harris cafe: The brand-new Harris Café, a relaxed, stylish space to take a break, meet friends, and enjoy delicious food and drink in the heart of Preston's most iconic building. Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee, catching up over lunch, or soaking in the atmosphere after a gallery visit, the Harris Café is where you can refuel and refresh. Wherever possible, The Harris Cafe use locally sourced ingredients to support producers across Lancashire.
Opening hours
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Today
9:00am - 5:00pm
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Saturday
9:00am - 5:00pm
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Sunday
11:00am - 4:00pm
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Monday
9:00am - 5:00pm
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Tuesday
9:00am - 5:00pm
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Wednesday
9:00am - 5:00pm
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Thursday
9:00am - 9:00pm
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Date: 21st Nov 2026
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Enjoy a delicious Horrockses-themed Afternoon Tea for Two in The Harris' beautiful Reading Room
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Roll of Honour Talk with John Garlington - The Harris
Date: 7th Nov 2026
In commemoration of Remembrance Day, discover the poignant history behind Preston’s Roll of Honour…
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Frieze Making Station - The Harris
Date: 29th Oct 2026
Join the University of Lancashire’s Maths Team find out about the beautiful repeating patterns and…
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Feeding Chair - The Harris
Date: 30th Sept 2026
Located on the first floor balcony of The Harris, the chair features artwork by Jade de Montserrat…
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Junior Craft Club - The Harris
Dates: 17th Sept 2026 - 10th Dec 2026
Drop-in to our Discover Preston Gallery and have a go at one of our craft activities. Take…
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The Cuerdale Hoard with Harris Volunteer Roisin - The Harris
Date: 12th Nov 2026
The Cuerdale Hoard is one of the largest Viking silver hoards ever found, reported to be much…
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Lego Club - The Harris
Dates: 19th Sept 2026 - 3rd Oct 2026
Calling all master builders! Bring the world of Horrible Histories to life this summer. Create your…
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Community Roots - The Harris
Date: 19th Oct 2026
In this activity-based session we will cover motivation for personal life goals and put them on a…
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Mixed Media Artist Workshop: Chloe’s Fashion - The Harris
Date: 25th Sept 2026
Sold outYou’ll meet Chloe in The Studio before heading upstairs for a brief artist talk in Gallery…
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In Conversation: Scott Schiavone & Amber Butchart - The Harris
Date: 15th Oct 2026
Drawing on the world’s largest Horrockses collection at The Harris, Amber and Scott will discuss…
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Life Drawing - The Harris
Date: 4th Oct 2026
In these sessions, we’ll be observing and drawing both male and female nude models.
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The John Weld Collection with Harris Volunteer Ann - The Harris
Date: 8th Oct 2026
Learn about the work of a gifted artist who recorded Lancashire buildings and wildlife in the 19th…
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Feed: Care Fix - The Harris
Date: 5th Oct 2026
Through creative mapping, model-making and hands-on construction, participants will test…
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Monthly Art and Creative Workshops for Young People aged 14-19 with Natalia Beodwski - The Harris
Date: 7th Nov 2026
Experience the involving and historical process for yourself, dot by dot!Using silicone mats, you…
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Feed: Motherhood at the Museum - The Harris
Date: 8th Oct 2026
Discover the stories behind maternal artefacts and fashion and share your own experiences through a…
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Paper Dress Making Workshop (Adults) - The Harris
Date: 14th Nov 2026
Paper art workshop with artist Sian PetersCome and be inspired by the exhibition Horrockses…
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Ink, Print, Repeat - The Harris
Date: 29th Oct 2026
This is a drop in activity and you can join any time during the session.
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Conversational Workshop: Hannah Sabapathy, Counterparts - The Harris
Date: 9th Dec 2026
‘Counterparts’ is displayed on the Second Floor Balcony and Special Collections Gallery. Hannah’s…
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The Birley Exhibition - In Conversation: Julie Mayer and Rita Robson - The Harris
Date: 8th Oct 2026
To learn about their practice, their works on display in the Birley exhibition and their pairings…
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Coding My First Robot - The Harris
Date: 30th Oct 2026
A fast paced, hands-on coding lab activity – can your team programme your robot to complete the…
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Harris Youth Panel Monthly Meeting - The Harris
Date: 1st Oct 2026
The Harris Youth Panel is made up of 14-19 year olds. We meet on the first Thursday of every month…
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The Anatomy of a Robot - Interactive Show - The Harris
Date: 30th Oct 2026
Meet different types of robots and find out how biomimicry and AI helps them to do some very clever…
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Conversational Workshop: Horrockses Fashions, from Drawing to Dress - The Harris
Date: 11th Nov 2026
To coincide with our Horrockses Fashions exhibition, glimpse at the design process with Decorative…
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Going Underground - The Lamb Lies Down On Broadgate Part 3 - The Harris
Date: 15th Oct 2026
The focus of this the third instalment of the ‘Lamb Lies Down On Broadgate’ Preston Music History…
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Drop-in Community Art Group - The Harris
Date: 28th Sept 2026
Join artists Kyra and Amelia, along with other staff and volunteers, for monthly creative sessions…
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Creative Chemistry - The Harris
Date: 28th Nov 2026
Find out about the chemical sciences in Lancashire and carry out activities on chromatography (felt…
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Decorate a Diya for Diwali - The Harris
Date: 7th Nov 2026
Perfect to hold tealights for Diwali celebrations or to just light up the winter nights.
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Poetry Club - The Harris
Date: 24th Sept 2026
Suitable for all abilities - no experience neccessary.
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Archive Creative Writings Project - The Harris
Date: 25th Sept 2026
At Lancashire Archives & Local History we love old things. It is what we do. We look after old…
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Community Roots: Living with ADHD - The Harris
Date: 7th Oct 2026
This not only enhances their lives, but those of them around them. This course is designed to give…
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Framing Preston: Exploring the City's History Through the Artwork at The Harris - The Harris
Date: 22nd Sept 2026
This new guided tour by Michael Akers, will investigate a selection of paintings at the Harris Art…
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Foucault Pendulum Talks - The Harris
Date: 28th Oct 2026
Students from the University of Lancashire will be holding short talks about the pendulum and will…
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Let’s Get Printing with Phoebe Foxtrot - The Harris
Date: 28th Oct 2026
Inspired by the patterns of Horrockses dresses, in this immersive, hands-on workshop, Phoebe will…
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Animals! (A Family Friendly Performance) - The Harris
Date: 26th Oct 2026
Something’s got to happen, and whatever it is, it’s going to be wild!Fun, interactive and featuring…
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Monthly Art and Creative Workshops for Young People aged 14-19: Culture on Canvas with Artist Shailan Wynter - The Harris
Date: 3rd Oct 2026
Inspired by Black History Month, you will have the option to paint from pre-drawn canvases…
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Horrockses Fashions: Everyday Glamour & the Art of British Ready-to-Wear
Dates: 19th Sept 2026 - 31st Jan 2027
This exhibition explores how the Lancashire-based company fused couture sensibilities with…
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Storytime Sessions - The Harris
Dates: 20th Sept 2026 - 4th Oct 2026
With a world of stories at our fingertips, each week brings an exciting new tale for young…
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Conversational Workshop: Alastair Morton Artist and Textile Designer - The Harris
Date: 14th Oct 2026
To coincide with our Horrockses Fashions exhibition, join our Fine Art Curator for a rare…
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Artist Networking Event - Hosted by The Birley Artist Studios - The Harris
Date: 22nd Oct 2026
Free, drop-in event with a pop-up bar.
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