Laurel and Hardy Museum

About the museum

The museum began as a private collection of photographs in scrapbooks kept by Bill Cubin, a lifelong fan of the comedy duo. Researching Stan Laurel’s life, he found that the comedian was born not in North Shields, as many believed, but at his grandparents’ house in Ulverston. In 1976, while serving as mayor of the town, he located the birth certificate showing that Arthur Stanley Jefferson was born at Foundry Cottages, today Argyle Street, in 1890.

The collection grew until it covered the walls and ceiling of one small room and was officially opened as a museum in 1983. An extension followed in 1992, funded by prize money donated by a Dutch quiz winner. Bill Cubin died in 1997, and the museum was then run by his daughter Marion and later by his grandson Mark.

Because the old premises were overcrowded and some photographs were deteriorating, the museum moved in 2009 to the Roxy, a former cinema from the 1930s in the town centre. It opened there on 19 April 2009. It later took over the main auditorium, which gave room for more displays and for screenings on the big screen, as well as a small area called Bill’s Place that recalls the museum’s beginnings.

Highlights

• Photographs, costumes, letters and personal belongings of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy
• Films shown throughout the day in the former Roxy cinema
• Research on Stan Laurel’s birth in Ulverston
• Bill’s Place, recalling the museum’s origins

Permanent exhibitions

• Laurel and Hardy collection – Photographs, costumes, personal furniture, letters and information boards about the comedy duo, including items connected with Stan Laurel’s birth in Ulverston.
• Film screenings in the Roxy auditorium – Laurel and Hardy films are screened throughout the day in the former cinema, which keeps its original screen.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

The film screenings are included in the admission price.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Children are welcome and have their own ticket price.

Getting there & parking

From the M6, leave at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow-in-Furness, then follow the signs for Ulverston town centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

Small gift shop with Laurel and Hardy memorabilia. There is no café, but drinks and snacks can be bought to enjoy during the film screenings.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit