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.