The Whitaker
Free museum and art gallery in a Victorian house in Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall, combining local history, natural history and contemporary art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Whitaker, formerly Rossendale Museum, occupies a house called Oak Hill, built in 1840 for George Hardman, owner of the New Hall Hey textile mill. Richard Whitaker bought the house in 1899 and gave it, with its grounds, to the people of Rossendale. He never lived there, so the museum holds no objects from its time as a family home. Original features such as marble fireplaces, plaster architraves and stone-flagged floors survive.
The grounds became Whitaker Park, which opened in 1901, and the museum opened in 1902 with the aim of being of general interest. Its collections grew through donations, bequests and purchases. Much of the material relates to the local valley, while other objects came from around the world, often brought back by local people as curiosities.
Today the museum shows contemporary art alongside historical objects. The permanent collections include natural history displays such as a tiger and python diorama, local industrial heritage covering textiles, mining and engineering, Victorian curiosities and world cultures, art, ceramics, textiles and costume, and archives. The Whitaker is a charity and also hosts events, learning programmes and a restaurant.
Highlights
- Tiger versus python taxidermy diorama
- Local industrial heritage of Rossendale: textiles, mining and engineering
- Contemporary art exhibitions alongside historical objects
- Victorian house in Whitaker Park with original features
- Free entry and a weekly early years session
Permanent exhibitions
- Local and social history – The story of the Rossendale valley as it changed from medieval hunting forest to farmland and then an industrial landscape.
- Natural history – Natural history displays, including a tiger versus python taxidermy diorama.
- Victorian curiosities and world cultures – Objects from around the world, many brought back by local people and donated to the museum.
- Founded
- 1902
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Early Years session | £5Per child aged 6 months to 5 years, Wednesdays in term time from 10:30am to 2pm |
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Admission is free except for special exhibitions or events, and donations are welcome.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Families can join creative activities, seasonal events and drop-in sessions. The Early Years session runs every Wednesday in term time from 10:30am to 2pm for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in Whitaker Park on Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
MANR is an independent restaurant and bar in Whitaker Park serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (Monday and Tuesday 9am to 3pm, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 4pm, Thursday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm). The museum also has a shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Galleries, dining areas, a training room and the grounds can be hired for weddings and civil ceremonies, conferences, dinners and receptions.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
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| Good to know | Schools and colleges can book curriculum-linked workshops, digital resources and loan boxes. A 3D tour of the building is available online. |
