Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

About Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.  It also boasts a wide range of  exhibitions and events, brought together in one impressive museum and art gallery.

Being the premier attraction in the North West means that Tullie House is recognised for its first class customer service, and for exciting, varied events and exhibitions programmes.

A fusion of old and new awaits you, from the beautiful Old Tullie House, a classical Grade One Listed Jacobean building to the Border Galleries, full of exciting exhibits and interactive displays.

There is something for everyone at Tullie House. Children and adults of all ages will find fun, hands-on exhibits and even games: fire a Roman weapon, climb our life-sized section of Hadrian’s Wall or visit the badgers’ sett!.

A changing programme of temporary exhibitions compliments our permanent displays; contemporary arts are featured in the purpose-built Art Gallery, and exhibitions inspired by our own collections or the local community appear in the Special Exhibitions Gallery upstairs.  

In the main displays we will take you on a journey through the ages, from the present day back to the Romans and before. You will also encounter Wildlife of the Eden valley (set under a changing audio-visual ceiling display) and local history over the past century in the new Carlisle Life gallery.

Set in attractive and well-planted gardens, Old Tullie House (1689) still retains its beautiful Jacobean facade. Inside there is an impressive Jacobean staircase and fireplace. The wood-panelled first floor room shows Pre-Raphaelite art and Arts & Crafts items.

The award-winning family-friendly restaurant serves a variety of snacks and meals, while the Tullie House gift shop is the perfect place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, featuring locally crafted goods.

Tullie House is the perfect setting for weddings. The Victorian Theatre with its impressive bridal entrance has tiered seating for 100. For those looking for a more intimate wedding, the Morning Room, overlooking the Abbey Street gardens, can accommodate a wedding party of up to 30.