Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Sunderland's municipal museum beside Mowbray Park, with local history, art and natural history and a Winter Gardens; closed for redevelopment until late 2028.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Sunderland's museum began in 1846 in the Athenaeum on Fawcett Street and is regarded as the first museum in England outside London to be funded by a local authority. A larger purpose-built home next to Mowbray Park opened in 1879 and also housed the public library until the library moved elsewhere in 1995, which freed space for galleries.
The building originally had a glasshouse Winter Garden modelled on the Crystal Palace. It was destroyed by wartime bomb damage in the early 1940s, and a new Winter Gardens extension holding plants from many climates was added in a lottery-funded refurbishment in 2001.
The collections cover the history of Sunderland and its industries, including locally made glass and Sunderland lustreware pottery, together with art, among them works by L. S. Lowry, and natural history displays. Several of its collections are recognised as nationally important.
The museum closed to visitors on 29 August 2026 so that a four-year redevelopment can begin. Reopening is planned for late 2028. During the works the collections stay in professional care, and the museum runs activities in the community and at Culture House Sunderland.
Highlights
- Sunderland glass and lustreware pottery
- Works by L. S. Lowry and other artists
- Natural history displays
- Winter Gardens with tropical and temperate plants
- Redevelopment under way, reopening planned late 2028
- Founded
- 1846
- Operated by
- Sunderland Culture / Sunderland City Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission was free before the closure.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
The museum has no car park of its own; two Blue Badge bays are on Frederick Street, about 300 m from the entrance. The museum published an access information page with a pre-visit walkthrough. Taxis, coaches and minibuses can use the bus stop on Burdon Road for drop-off.
Kids & families
During the closure, family activities are offered in the community and at Culture House Sunderland.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Sunderland Metro station
Sunderland Metro station is a two-minute walk. Several bus routes (Stagecoach 3, 4, 23, E1 and E6; Go North East 33, 35 and 36) stop on Fawcett Street, Borough Road, Burdon Road and John Street, about two minutes away.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
No car park at the museum; several car parks nearby and two Blue Badge bays on Frederick Street.
- Accessible parking
By car, use the A1 (junction 62, A690 and A1231) or the A19 (A183 or A690, then A1231) to Burdon Road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Sea Change Café on the ground floor was open Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm, with an outdoor patio overlooking the park; café arrangements during the closure are to be announced.
Events & venue rental
The museum is closed for redevelopment until late 2028.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Learning workshops and a loan service for schools continue during the closure through outreach and loan boxes (Museum in a Box). |
