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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Thursday
9:00am - 9:00pm
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Friday
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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Dates: 5th Nov 2026 - 4th Feb 2027
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Lego Club - The Harris
Dates: 7th Nov 2026 - 6th Feb 2027
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Protest: the Preston Wspu and the Fight for the Vote - The Harris
Date: 23rd Jan 2027
PROTEST: The Preston WSPU and the Fight for the Vote brings these forgotten stories out of the…
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Date: 10th Dec 2026
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Horace's Merry Chris-Moose! - The Harris
Date: 19th Dec 2026
Come along an make a Chris-Moose decoration inspired by Horace, the Poulton Elk.
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South Asian Togetherness - The Harris
Dates: 21st Nov 2026 - 2nd Dec 2026
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Harris Youth Panel Monthly Meeting - The Harris
Date: 3rd Dec 2026
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Chilled Family Films - Arthur Christmas - The Harris
Date: 22nd Dec 2026
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Drop-in Community Art Group - The Harris
Date: 14th Dec 2026
Join artists Kyra and Amelia, along with other staff and volunteers, for monthly creative sessions…
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Textile Patch Workshop - The Harris
Date: 26th Nov 2026
You’ll learn simple hand-sewing techniques, including appliqué and embroidery, with guidance and…
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Show Choir North West - The Harris
Date: 21st Nov 2026
Listen to the beautiful sounds of the choir as they present a short programme of songs in the…
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Paper Dress Making Workshop (for Families) - The Harris
Date: 21st Nov 2026
Sold outPaper art workshop with artist Sian PetersCome and be inspired by the exhibition Horrockses…
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Lunchtime Lecture: the Battle of the Somme - The Harris
Date: 18th Nov 2026
Go beyond the dates and tactics and uncover stories from the battlefield and pivotal moments of the…
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The Preston Suffragette Movement - The Harris
Date: 29th Nov 2026
Come and join volunteer Pam Young - by looking at photographs, objects, short films and paintings,…
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The Harris After Dark - Tudor Lord of Misrule - The Harris
Date: 10th Dec 2026
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Date: 10th Dec 2026
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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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Vinyl Revival - The Harris
Date: 10th Dec 2026
Every fortnight we will reflect on a title of your choice.Come along and chat about your favourite…
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The Harris Open 2027 - The Harris
Dates: 27th Feb 2027 - 2nd May 2027
Celebrating creativity, community, and local talent, this beloved showcase is open to artists of…
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Storytelling - Lola the Guide Dog Saves Christmas - The Harris
Date: 12th Dec 2026
Meet Ananche and Lola in the Family Library.
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Horrockses Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a delicious Horrockses-themed Afternoon Tea for Two in The Harris' beautiful Reading Room
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The Cuerdale Hoard with Harris Volunteer Roisin - The Harris
Date: 12th Nov 2026
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Fashion in Motion: 1950s Style - The Harris
Date: 12th Nov 2026
Sold outSee the decade’s iconic silhouettes brought to life, from cinched waists and full skirts to…
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Poetry Club - The Harris
Date: 17th Dec 2026
Suitable for all abilities - no experience neccessary.
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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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Storytime Sessions - The Harris
Dates: 8th Nov 2026 - 7th Feb 2027
With a world of stories at our fingertips, each week brings an exciting new tale for young…
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Fascinator and Hat Workshop - The Harris
Date: 16th Jan 2027
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Egyptian Balcony Tour - The Harris
Date: 30th Jan 2027
This unique space offers breathtaking views and a rare glimpse into early 20th-century fascination…
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Autism Connects Group - The Harris
Date: 14th Dec 2026
This is a social group that is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for adults with…
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Conversational Workshop - The Harris
Date: 13th Jan 2027
Drop by the Special Collections Gallery on the second floor and be inspired by objects not often…
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Baby Bounce & Rhyme - The Harris
Dates: 4th Nov 2026 - 3rd Feb 2027
Sharing songs and rhymes is a fun way for babies and toddlers to develop their language…
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Feed: Care Fix - The Harris
Date: 9th Nov 2026
Through creative mapping, model-making and hands-on construction, participants will test…
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Behind the Scenes: Collection Store Tours - The Harris
Date: 3rd Dec 2026
Sold outOur new behind-the-scenes tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s…
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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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Inside the Archive Exhibition - The Harris
Dates: 3rd Nov 2026 - 4th Nov 2026
The BFI National Archive looks after one of the largest and most important collections of film and…
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Creative Chemistry - The Harris
Date: 29th Nov 2026
Find out about the chemical sciences in Lancashire and carry out activities on chromatography (felt…
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1950s Hair & Makeup Drop in Sessions - The Harris
Date: 15th Dec 2026
Join professional make-up artist Samira Rankin for a fun, informal drop-in session exploring the…
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