About Us
The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library are jointly managed by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council.
We are proud guardians of our founders’ intention, inscribed on the outside of the building which states that:
‘The mental riches you may here acquire abide with you always’
Find out about our exciting plans to redevelop the Harris, #HarrisYourPlace, our history, architecture and much more below.
#Harris Your Place
Help us create the first blended museum, art gallery and library in the UK - a one in 100-year opportunity for the Harris.
Every day, almost 1000 people, from all walks of life, visit the Harris - just as our Victorian founders hoped they would.
But after 125 years of daily use, the Harris is tired.
You’ve told us what you want – Preston’s hidden collections on show, new spaces to enjoy, more opportunities to be inspired, and for the Harris to be your place. And here for the others who need it too - forever.
Now, with your help, we have a one in 100 year opportunity to make the Harris uniquely special again – for everyone.
#HarrisYourPlace
The UK’s first blended museum, art gallery & library.
Make your donation today. Donate online here
Read our leaflet about #HarrisYourPlace here.
Download a copy of our outline plans here.
Download Frequently Asked Questions about #HarrisYourPlace here
Watch a one minute film about #HarrisYourPlace here
STOP PRESS! 2nd January 2019 We have been awarded initial Heritage Lottery Funding for #HarrisYourPlace. Read the full story here.
There are many ways you can donate, including:
• Online here through The Big Give,
• By text – simply text HARR11 followed by £3, £5 or £10 to 70070
• By cheque, payable to the Friends of the Harris, sent to Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library, Market Square, Preston PR1 2PP. Don’t forget to enclose your details so we can thank you!
• In cash using one of our donations boxes around the building (it’s worth even more if you complete a Gift Aid envelope and put the donation inside!).
If you would like to get involved in another way, such as running your own fundraising event or volunteering to help us, please drop us a line at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call 01772 258248.
We'd love to hear from you.
Friends of the Harris
Registered Charity Number: 503726 
The Harris today
The Harris today and our vision for the future
The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library are jointly managed by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council.
We are proud guardians of our founders’ intention, inscribed on the outside of the building which states that:
‘The mental riches you may here acquire abide with you always’
The Harris is at a transformative point in its history, developing our #HarrisYourPlace project to create the UK's first blended museum, art gallery and library. Find out more about it here.
Architecture of the Harris building
Discover more about this striking, Grade 1 Listed, Neo-Classical building
Let us guide you through a jam-packed family day out!
