Melton Carnegie Museum

About the museum

Melton Carnegie Museum is housed in the town's former library, built in 1905 with a grant from the industrialist Andrew Carnegie. The building became the town's museum in 1977. It is owned and managed by Leicestershire County Council, which runs it with several other heritage sites in the county.

The museum has been refurbished twice, first in 2002 and most recently in 2010, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Museum of Hunting Trust, Melton Mowbray Town Estate, Melton Borough Council and the Friends of Melton Carnegie Museum.

The galleries are on the ground floor and follow the story of Melton and the people who lived and worked there from the Bronze Age to the present day. The displays include the town's food industries, notably Stilton cheese and pork pies, a gallery of shops and trades, and the history of fox hunting, supported by an extensive collection of books and records on the subject.

The museum also keeps a small archive for local and family history research. A first-floor community room can be hired, and an active friends group and team of volunteers support the work. The museum is accredited by Arts Council England and is a quality-assured visitor attraction in the VisitEngland scheme.

Highlights

• Social and economic history of Melton from the Bronze Age to today
• Displays on Stilton cheese and pork pie making
• History of fox hunting with a large collection of books and records
• Shops and Trades gallery
• Changing Places toilet and step-free side entrance

Permanent exhibition

• Melton's story – Ground-floor galleries on the history of Melton and its people from the Bronze Age to the present, including Stilton cheese, pork pies and fox hunting.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Leicestershire County Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance has stone steps, but a step-free ramped entrance on Rosebery Avenue has an intercom to call a member of staff. All main galleries are on one floor with level access, and a platform lift serves the first floor. Accessible toilets include a Changing Places facility and a baby changing table. A hearing loop is installed at reception and the fire alarm has flashing lights. Lighting is low in places. Dogs are allowed only if they are trained assistance animals.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The museum runs children's activities in school holidays, including an under-5s activity day called Exploratots and half-term events. The step-free entrance suits buggies, and baby changing is available.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is on Thorpe End, opposite St John's church. The step-free entrance is at the side of the building on Rosebery Avenue.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Cafés and restaurants in the town centre are an easy walk away. A bicycle rack is at the side of the building on Rosebery Avenue; visitors bring their own lock.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 100 guests.

First-floor community room for 100 standing, 60 theatre style or 30 café style, which can be divided in two. It has a large screen, flipchart and kitchen facilities; the museum does not provide catering.

Plan your visit