Discover Barnsley's rich heritage through engaging exhibitions, collections spanning thousands of years, and interactive displays showcasing local stories and history.

Experience Barnsley Museum & Discovery Centre offers families a fascinating journey through the history and culture of Barnsley and its surrounding borough. The museum houses extensive collections that span thousands of years, providing visitors with compelling glimpses into the lives of people who have shaped the region. From archaeological artifacts to social history exhibits, the collections tell the diverse stories of Barnsley's past. The venue combines traditional museum exhibitions with interactive discovery experiences, making it an engaging destination for visitors of all ages. The Discovery Centre is housed within the Town Hall and includes Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, which offers access to catalogues, guides, and indexes for those interested in deeper research. The museum regularly features special exhibitions and events, ensuring there's always something new to explore. Experience Barnsley is particularly family-friendly, offering free entry to all visitors. The Old George Cafe provides refreshments during visits, and the venue is pushchair-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children. Whether exploring permanent collections or temporary exhibitions, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique heritage and community stories that define Barnsley.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

י

יאיר דילן דולמן

2 months ago

The Egyptian exhibition is cool, it's a shame it's temporary because it's about the only interesting thing in the museum!

A

Allan Irvine

6 months ago

I wanted to learn a bit about the history of this great little place, and despite its small size there is a lot packed in. Worth a visit and free to enter. You can leave a donation which I did.

M

Martyn Maconachie

10 months ago

A wonderful place to have a look around and learn about Barnsley. Not just the town, but the people and their stories. There are many fascinating objects to see, some hundreds of years old and some more modern.

K

Kamla Piano

3 years ago

A very welcoming free museum. Wonderful for children with all sorts to look at. Personally I found the local celebrity display case with Charlie Williams original This is Your Life book particularly interesting. It's a small museum and doesn't take long to look around so well worth your time to pop in. There was a nicely stocked gift shop with reasonable prices.

L

Lisa Mcknight

3 years ago

Absolutely blown away by this Museum.. its fabulous!!! Very interactive for kids of all ages.. there's a lego trail at the moment, perfect for toddlers..and some absolutely fascinating ancient artefacts found in and around Barnsley.. Its a very community based Museum! There's a great play area for the little ones too! Well worth a visit x

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026