For those who have not paid a visit to the permanent exhibitions of Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, there is a treat in store.

The Social History Gallery, located on the ground floor, is a delight for anyone with an interest in the town or the impact of the industrial revolution in the north.

This exhibition examines the two sides of the industrial revolution - bringing wealth to Blackburn but leaving blood on the cobblestones - before leading the visitor through the history of the town right up to the present day.

The Egyptian Gallery on the first floor contains a mummy - with its decorative wrappings still in place - a funerary portrait and smaller Egyptian artefacts including jewellery and pottery.

Artist Masooma Syed's contemporary work, such as intricate garlands of nails and hair to ornament the body, perfectly complement the ancient exhibits.

The Hart Gallery, also on the first floor, holds the incredible collections of Robert Edward Hart and Thomas Boys Lewis.

Both men donated their personal collections to the museum, making up this fabulous display of Persian manuscripts, 12th century Psalters and Icons, Greek coins, American Confederate banknotes, the inflationary currency of Weimar Germany and beautiful prints and artefacts from Japan.

Stairs from the Hart Collection lead to the Explorers Gallery where objects from China, Africa and the Americas are displayed.

There is also a collection of Indonesian saron (metal xylophones) which can be played by visiting groups upon prior appointment.

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery runs workshops for children every Saturday and throughout the school holidays.

Please contact the museum for further details.

Essential information

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Museum Street
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 7AJ

Tel: (01254) 667130
Fax: (01254) 665541
Email: museum@blackburn.gov.uk

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 12pm to 4pm
Monday:Closed