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The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

Type:Museum

Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 6RE

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 165 reviews165 reviews

Tel: 01706 260 785

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The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

The Whitaker Museum has been part of the cultural life of the Rossendale Valley for over one hundred years.  Set in the beautiful Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall, it’s a great day out for all.  A traditional and contemporary a museum, but with a modern twist.
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The Whitaker has redeveloped all of its existing galleries, and created new opportunities for people to connect with art, culture, and one another.  With current contemporary artists from up and down the country exhibiting in the galleries.  From artist events to museum tours to workshops to film nights, explore what the Whitaker has coming up by downloading the latest what’s on guide.

With diverse spaces to encourage curiosity and inspire imaginations, great school packages for KS1 and KS2 pupils are available.  The two hour workshop includes local history, object handling, activities around the museum spaces and a tour of the cabinet of curiosities. The curious collectors case loan boxes.  Aimed at KS2, you can either pick and choose activities within or you can follow the entire learning programme.  The boxes link to curriculum topics within history, geography, science, english and art, with additional links to PHSE.

The Whitaker has a growing friendly team of volunteers who are the heartbeat of all they do.  The volunteers share the passion to provide a unique, quirky, space rich in heritage and culture.  The contribution and dedication of the volunteers enables the Whitaker to provide a sustainable museum that is freely available to everyone.  The Whitaker offer a wide range of roles at the museum, bringing together a wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences.

Make a full day at the museum and book a table at the bar and kitchen.  The perfect place to eat in Rossendale.  A great relaxed environment to enjoy some locally sourced food and drink, with a delicious menu perfect for a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, coffee and a fantastic Sunday roast.

What was once the stable block for the original house has been redeveloped into a cultural venue for special cultural events and weddings, attached to the bar and kitchen.  With diverse venue hire the old stables is a great unique venue for any event. 

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free admissionFree

Additional cost for workshops and some events.

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed*
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00*
Thursday10:00 - 20:00*
Friday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Saturday, 21st December 2024 - Saturday, 21st December 2024

Family Film at The Whitaker: Polar ExpressIn this live action and animated movie, a disillusioned little boy, clad in his pyjamas, boards a magic train to the North Pole.
more info

Awards

  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsCultural Venue/Organisation Award Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2015
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Cultural Venue/Organisation Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2018
  • Sub-Regional Awards2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist Cultural Venue  Award 2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist Cultural Venue Award 2021
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2021 - Cultural Venue Lancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2021 - Cultural Venue 2022

Directions

Road Directions

Situated on the A681 Haslingden to Rawtenstall Road, close to Rawtenstall centre and the East Lancashire Railway station. 

Public Transport Directions

The East Lancashire Railway line from Bury via Ramsbottom runs at weekends, and Whitaker Park and The Whitaker is just five minutes walk from the station.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
    • Service
      4 of 5 stars
    • Value
      4 of 5 stars
    • Food
      4 of 5 stars
    • Atmosphere
      4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      82
    • Very Good
      30
    • Average
      26
    • Poor
      13
    • Terrible
      14

    Recent Reviews:

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