North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre

About the museum

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre stands near the centre of Motherwell and opened in 1996 as Motherwell Heritage Centre. It took its present name in April 2012, when the archives and modern records of the whole North Lanarkshire area were moved there from Cumbernauld, and it is now the main place where these records are kept. Since April 2013 it has been run by the culture trust CultureNL instead of the council.

An earlier display called Technopolis re-created scenes from steelmaking and heavy industry; that part closed in 2011 and the space became storage for the paper archives. Today visitors can explore a ground-floor gallery with changing exhibitions from the council and other organisations, the local studies and family history search room, and a gift shop with books on local heritage.

A special feature is the Climb Thru Time tower, which takes visitors on a playful journey through the history of Motherwell as they climb to a viewing platform with views across the town, the Clyde Valley and beyond on a clear day. The centre also has an outdoor play area, and it runs regular children’s activities.

Highlights

• Climb Thru Time tower with a viewing platform
• Gallery with changing exhibitions
• Local studies and family history search room
• Outdoor play area with climbing frame and water table
• Gift shop with books on local heritage

Permanent exhibitions

• Climb Thru Time – A tower experience with a playful journey through the history of Motherwell, ending at a viewing platform with views across the town and North Lanarkshire.
• Ground-floor gallery – A gallery space on the ground floor that shows changing exhibitions, both from North Lanarkshire and from elsewhere.

Founded

1996

Operated by

CultureNL

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Lifts serve all floors and there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor. An induction loop is available, and support is offered to visually impaired visitors in the search room. Free parking at the rear includes three Blue Badge spaces.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The centre promotes itself as a free family day out. It has an outdoor play area with a climbing frame, water table and giant games, regular children’s activities, and the Climb Thru Time exhibit with its viewing tower.

Getting there & parking

The centre is on High Road in Motherwell. Traveline can be used to plan journeys.

Amenities & dining

The centre has a gift shop with local heritage books and gifts.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Spaces in the centre can be booked for events; enquiries go to the museum team.

Plan your visit