UK / East / Norfolk
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Bridewell Alley Norwich, NR2 1AQ
A vibrant community history museum exploring the city’s fascinating past.
The Museum of Norwich tells the city’s story from its early beginnings to now. Housed in an ancient building dating from the 1300s, the building has been a medieval merchant’s house, a house of correction and a shoe factory before becoming a museum in 1925.
Visitors can explore Norwich’s industrial past through ten galleries, featuring engaging, object-rich displays, interactive experiences and captivating people’s stories. Learn about Norwich’s renowned textile and trendsetting shoe trade. Admire beautiful Norwich shawls, a restored Jacquard loom and the world’s first wire netting machine. Discover the surprising and more familiar industries made in this fine city, from celebration crackers to aircraft, and chocolate to everyone’s favourite yellow condiment, Colman’s Mustard.
A highlight of the museum is a recreated pharmacist’s shop with over 2,500 objects, including mysterious concoctions and potions. You can also learn about the building’s past as the city’s prison, the Bridewell, its iconic flint wall and join one of our monthly tours of the magnificent undercroft.
After exploring, relax in the beautiful courtyard and browse the museum shop for stylish souvenirs and locally crafted goods. With step-free access to all the galleries, family-friendly activities throughout the year, and hands-on exhibits, the Museum of Norwich is a must visit for both locals and visitors wanting to explore the city’s fascinating history.
Visit WebsiteOpening Times
Tuesday - Saturday
10.00 - 16.30
Prices
Adult
£8.20
Concession
£7.80*
Child (age 4-18)
£6.90
Family discount adult (available with a paid child ticket)
£7.30
Child under 4
FREE
Twilight ticket (one hour before closing)
£2.50
Free admission with a Norfolk Museums Pass
*Concessions: Over 65s, students and disabled people. Disabled people can bring one companion in free of charge
Facilities
Baby Changing
Disabled Access
Toilets
Other things to do nearby
Play this May at BeWILDerwood Norfolk, where May-hem and magic await around every corner! 🌳✨
Get ready for a full day of magical adventures and PLAY this May half term as you swing, slide and scramble your way through the magical woods.
View event
Super Stock Car Saturday F1 Stock Cars WQR & F2 Stock Car English Open at Adrian Flux
Super Stock Car Saturday – the BriSCA F1 Stock Cars are back in town.
View event
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels at Time and Tide Museum
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels is an interactive journey into the wild and wonderful world of automata.
View event
Time and Tide Museum
A captivating journey through the rich maritime heritage of this vibrant coastal town.
View attraction
The Tolhouse Gaol
Discover the darker side of England’s history through crime and punishment.
View attraction
Strangers’ Hall
A hidden gem in the heart of Norwich – one of the city’s oldest and most exquisite buildings.
View attraction
Lynn Museum
A treasure trove celebrating West Norfolk’s heritage, and the home of Seahenge – the extraordinary Bronze Age timber circle, discovered on Holme beach.
View attraction
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
Discover Norfolk’s rural history over 50 acres of glorious countryside, from the traditional working farm to the lives of the residents of the Victorian workhouse.
View attraction
Elizabethan House Museum
Experience the lives of those who lived in this splendid quayside house, from Tudor times to the Victorian era.
View attractionLatest News
Top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch
The UK is home to some fantastically colourful, elusive and rare species. To celebrate their numerous species, we have put together a list of top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch.