A great starting point for any heritage enthusiast, this living and working museum preserves Sheffield’s industrial heritage and celebrates the famous ‘Made in Sheffield’ mark of quality.
Kelham Island Museum, was opened in 1982 to house the objects, pictures and archive material representing Sheffield's industrial story. The displays at the Museum tell that story from the "Little Mester" to mass production, skilled workers, revolutionary processes, quality products, invention and innovation.
Kelham Island, where the museum is situated, is one of the oldest industrial sites in Sheffield.
The exhibition galleries at the museum are stacked full of objects and photographs from their collections to examine, watch moving, to touch and listen to. Inside the Museum buildings, you can witness the sights and sounds of industrial Sheffield through the exhibitions, working machinery, activity areas and event days.
The main attraction at the museum is the mighty 12,000 HP River Don Engine "in steam".
The museum also has trails, colouring sheets and children's books for the younger visitors, as well as puzzles and activities on steelmaking and life at home. The Melting Shop, within the museum, is an interactive play zone in the museum, suitable for children aged between 2 and 9: children clock in, are processed like steel, melted, rolled and hammered! Ideal for a fun and educational school visit.
Also on display at this living and working museum in Sheffield are:
- River Don Engine
- Bessemer Converter
- Grand Slam Bomb
- Crossley Gas Engine
- Bramah Press
- Benjamin Huntsman Clock
- Penny Farthing Bicycle
Kelham Island Museum, Alma Street, Sheffield, S3 8RY.
Sheffield (0114) 272 2106
Open: Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm. Sun 11am-4.45pm.
Last admission to the museum is 1 hour before closing.
Closed Fri & Sat.
Admission: Adult £4.00. Child Free. Concession £3.00.
Please mention 'The Best of Sheffield' when contacting the Kelham Island Museum
For the best museums and educational school visits in Sheffield, look on 'The Best of Sheffield - South'