Staffordshire Museums & Galleries

You’ll uncover more than 1000 years of history and creativity in museums and art galleries in Staffordshire.

Since the first recorded mention of Staffordshire in 1016, the county has forged a reputation as The Creative County.

From ceramic museums and visitor centres to collections showcasing our industrial heritage and Staffordshire’s best artists, our fascinating story offers plenty to discover whatever your passion.

Explore the life and work of Josiah Wedgwood and his family at the Wedgwood Museum at World of Wedgwood, home to the priceless Portland Vase dating back to 1790.

Lose yourself at the world’s last complete Victorian pottery factory, the Gladstone Pottery Museum, home to iconic bottle kilns and skilled craftspeople making clay pots, flowers, animals and more.

Have a go at throwing, making or decorating a unique souvenir of your visit.

Experience life in a World War One trench at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, dedicated to the people of Staffordshire who have served the UK in conflict, and hear re-enactments of ancient battles.

And the Etruria Industrial Museum offers a fascinating insight into the growth of the UK canal network, thanks in no small part to Staffordshire’s own James Brindley, the pioneering canal engineer.

Free museums in Staffordshire

Admire the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world, a World War Two Spitfire fighter plane – designed by Stoke-on-Trent’s own Reginald Mitchell – and items from the Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest ever find of Anglo-Saxon gold, at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

Dig deep into Staffordshire’s mining heritage at the Museum of Cannock Chase, which is packed with tales of how the area developed into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and contributed to Britain’s war efforts in the early 20^th Century.

Delve into the history of the Royal Air Force at the RAF Museum Cosford, and get up close to restored military planes including the world’s oldest Spitfire.

Learn about our cultural heroes Samuel Johnson and David Garrick on a visit to the historic city of Lichfield.

The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum reveals all about the creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary, while one of the best theatres in Staffordshire, the Garrick Theatre, is a hotbed of cultural activity which the celebrated 17^th Century actor would have been proud of.

Galleries in Staffordshire

Get to know artists old and new, including The Lowry of The Potteries Arthur Berry, in the outstanding collection at Barewall Gallery.

The Art Deco talents of potters Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper are on show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, while Trent Art specialises in modern British painters, particularly those depicting scenes from North Staffordshire.

Emporium Art Gallery is a favourite with fans of contemporary textile artists, ceramicists, photographers and jewellers, while The Trentham Estate is a joy, with numerous galleries and boutiques to explore in their shopping village.

And at Weston Park, the Granary Art Gallery is an uplifting space which showcases contemporary artists from across the UK throughout the year.