National Sikh Heritage Centre & Holocaust Museum

About the museum

The National Sikh Museum was set up by volunteers from the Sikh community in Derby, in affiliation with the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara. It was launched to mark the 300th anniversary of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, and describes itself as the first museum of its kind. The people behind it began working on Sikh and Anglo-Sikh heritage some thirty years earlier, including field trips to places in the United Kingdom with Anglo-Sikh connections and a touring exhibition shown in Nottingham, London, Birmingham, Leeds and other cities.

The museum aims to tell the story of the Sikhs from the time of the Gurus to the present, to document the British-Sikh relationship and the heritage of the Punjab, and to explain the history of Sikh persecution so as to raise awareness of religious and cultural intolerance. It also produces educational material linked to the national curriculum and works with schools, colleges and universities.

The galleries cover Punjab heritage, artefacts of the Sikh Empire, light arms and heavy artillery, a model of the Golden Temple and Akal Takht, Anglo-Sikh relations, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, and exhibitions on the events of 1984. A reference library, a theatre and a memorial known as the Victory Gate complete the visit.

Highlights

• Sikh Empire artefacts and historic cannons
• Model of the Golden Temple and Akal Takht
• Anglo-Sikh relations and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919
• Exhibitions on the events of 1984
• Reference library on Sikh history and culture
• Victory Gate memorial

Permanent exhibitions

• Sikh Empire artefacts and Punjab heritage – Coins, documents, clothing and household items from the Sikh Empire and everyday Punjabi life, with historic cannons and light arms.
• Anglo-Sikh relations – Exhibition on the part Sikhs played in the British Empire, including their contribution to the military and economy.
• Jallianwala Bagh and the events of 1984 – Photographs, documents and personal accounts of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre and of the violence against Sikhs in 1984.

Founded

2008

Operated by

National Sikh Heritage Centre and Holocaust Museum (registered charity), affiliated with Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Derby

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

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

The museum states that it has wheelchair access and other arrangements for visitors with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Princes Street in the Pear Tree area of Derby, at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit