New for April 2025, a ground-floor gallery dedicated to our border city. Learn all about how Carlisle is wild, industrial, social, revolutionary, resilient and changing.
The Exhibition Gallery
From touring exhibitions to in-house developments, in this space you’ll find world-class objects and thought-provoking interpretation in immersive, interactive displays. We’ve had fine art, ancient history, natural science and one of the most famous bears in the world. Find out what’s in there now.
Border Galleries
On 23 February 2026, the Border Galleries fully closed so work could being to create an amazing new experience, getting over 100,000 objects from the collections onto display. Although they won’t be changing, the Costume Gallery and Wildlife Dome will also be closed while this work takes place. These temporary closures will make access easier for our staff and contractors and ensure work can take place safely.
We aim to open the transformed space to the public in Summer 2027. In the meantime our exhibitions, events programme and all other galleries will remain open for you to visit.
The Costume Collection
The Costume Gallery is temporarily closed whilst the Border Galleries transformation takes place. This temporary closure will make access easier for our staff and contractors and ensure work can take place safely.
Roman Frontier Gallery
Our below ground floor is home to the Roman Frontier Gallery, accessible via stairs and lift close to reception. This British Museum partnership gallery is home to plenty of Tullie’s significant Roman collection, alongside some superstars on loan from the British Museum. Inside you’ll see mixed media displays and interactive exhibits including the Living Wall section, exploring life on modern day frontiers.
Old Tullie House
Built in 1689, the house retains some original features including oak staircase and ground floor fireplace. It’s now home to items from the fine and decorative art collection. On the ground floor you’ll find an array of Pre-Raphaelite works in the George Howard Gallery, as well as a fairly significant violin and other items. Upstairs, the Gordon Bottomley Gallery (or panelled room) unfortunately this room is only accessible by stairs at present.
Gardens
A completely free place to come and sit. Great when it’s nice out, still pretty good even when it’s not. The gardens are open 8am – 5pm Monday to Saturday. There are some gorgeous plants (if we do say so ourselves) and even some displays so we can put on garden exhibitions. Come down, you’ll love it.
