Derby Museums is an independent charitable trust operating three museums: the Museum and Art Gallery, Pickford’s House and the Silk Mill, currently being developed at the new Museum of Making. It cares for the collections of cultural heritage on behalf of Derby City Council for the people of Derby. It also houses the Royal Lancers Museum.

Derby Museums has unique cultural assets. Derby Silk Mill is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first modern factory and is in the Derwent Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is currently undergoing a transformation to become the UK’s first Museum of Making due to open in spring 2021. Derby Museums has the finest collection of work by Joseph Wright of Derby, the 18th century artist of the Enlightenment and is ‘Designated’ by Arts Council England as a collection of national significance. Derby’s identity was 300 years in the making, and the Enlightenment spirit of creativity and invention resonates today.

As a registered charity, Derby Museums relies on the generosity of all our supporters to help keep the museums and our collections fantastic and free for everyone. All profits from Museum of Making Membership and workspace hire go straight back into the running of Derby Museums’ Museum of Making. With your support, we can continue to create opportunities for lifelong learning and enjoyment for all.

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