Whitby Museum

About the museum

Whitby Museum is run by the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society, a learned society and registered charity founded in 1823. The museum opened in the same year in two small rooms above a shop on Baxtergate. As the collection grew, it moved in 1827 to a larger room above the public baths. In 1924 the society decided to build a purpose-made home, and the present building in Pannett Park opened in August 1931.

The museum is independent and receives no money from national or local government. It depends on admission fees, membership, donations and volunteers. The building also houses the Society's library and archive, and shares the site with the Pannett Art Gallery.

The collections trace the history of Whitby from the Middle Stone Age to the present. They include one of the finest collections of Jurassic fossils in Britain, with ammonites and marine reptiles, as well as Whitby jet and jet jewellery, model ships, whaling objects, toys, costume and textiles, natural history specimens and a large photographic archive that includes the work of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. Objects linked to Captain James Cook and HM Bark Endeavour are also on display.

Highlights

• Jurassic fossils, including marine reptiles and ammonites
• Whitby jet objects and jewellery
• Model ships and whaling collection
• Costume gallery with annually changing displays
• Captain Cook and Endeavour material, and the Sutcliffe photographs

Permanent exhibitions

• Geology and fossils – One of Britain's finest collections of Jurassic fossils from the Whitby coast, including ammonites and marine reptiles.
• Whitby jet and jet jewellery – A wealth of carved jet objects and jewellery made from the gemstone found in the North York Moors.
• Pannett Art Gallery – Permanent displays of work by the local Weatherill family of artists and a room devoted to the Staithes group, in the same building.

Founded

1823

Operated by

Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society

Admission & discounts

All admission fees are valid for 12 months; the annual admission slip must be shown on return visits. Free entry for Art Fund members, Yorkshire Museums Volunteer Pass holders, current and former members of the armed forces and residents of the Whitby Town Council wards (proof of address required). Blue Light Card holders pay £5. Gift Aid is encouraged. School visits are charged separately.

Accessibility

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

Level access at the rear of the museum, where there are four extra-wide Blue Badge parking spaces and an entry phone to alert staff. The main museum hall and the Pannett Art Gallery are on one level; the newer extension has three levels with stairs and a lift. There are three accessible toilets. A manual wheelchair can be hired free of charge. Support dogs and registered carers are welcome. The conference room has a hearing loop.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

The museum is next to a well-regarded children's play area in Pannett Park. Rear access is level and suitable for pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Flock Kitchen & Coffee is on the lower floor of the new wing and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3.30pm (last orders 3pm); it is closed on Sundays from September, apart from a few dates. The museum has a shop. Dogs other than registered assistance dogs are not allowed in the museum, art gallery or park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit