About

Whitby Museum is Whitby’s treasure trove!

Here you can explore stunning collections of local fossils, natural history, model ships, carved jet, toys, costumes & social history. In fact there’s something for everyone!

The Museum was founded almost 200 years ago by the Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society, a registered charity, which still runs the Museum today and rely on the dedicated work of its’ volunteers to help upkeep this stunning collection.

Our collection of over 80,000 artefacts, donated over 2 centuries is of local, national & international interest. As well as our permanent collection we have special exhibitions:- Our exhibition room has a changing programme of stunning exhibitions. Until 8th May 2022 see John Tindale: ‘A Vision of Whitby’, a stunning exhibition telling the story of this local photographer and Whitby enthusiast through words, images and three amazing short films. Our costume gallery has a different exhibition each year highlighting differing aspects of the collection. The 2022 exhibition is ‘…and the bride wore’, a beautiful study of wedding fashion in the latter half of the 20th century.

Children will be fascinated by the massive wall mounted marine reptile fossils & everyone is sure to want to see the gruesome Hand of Glory!

As you wander around our exhibits discover how leeches helped predict the weather in Victorian times & marvel over the intricate hand carved jet models & jewellery.

Find out about Whitby’s maritime past from the adventurous Captain Cook to the famous Scoresby whaling family.

Did you know that mammoths & rhinoceros wandered these parts during the Ice Age?
Take a look at the Kirkdale Cave exhibit to find out more.
 

Stop by for a cup of tea at the Whitby Museum Tea Room. Whitby Museum Tea Room is a place to come and relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some great tasting homemade food, loose leaf tea and freshly brewed coffee.