The Harris: Times They Are A-Changing

As a significant practical step towards making the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library a re-imagined, single visitor destination, Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council have agreed to streamline the opening times.

The two councils have been working together on the Harris Re-Imagined project since 2015, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

After much public consultation, it became obvious that the previous situation of differing open times was confusing and off-putting to the public. The new timetable has been devised to make it easier to plan your trip to the Harris and have the opportunity to experience everything it has to offer. This includes Sunday opening times for the entire building.

Councillor Peter Kelly, Preston Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

"This is a fantastic move forward towards a joined up approach between ourselves and Lancashire County Council.  It’s a small step but a really important one.  It shows we mean business and are absolutely determined to change the Harris into Lancashire’s, and one of the region’s, premier attractions.  Through this change, people will now be able to enjoy the Harris in its entirety on a Sunday – which is obviously great news for visitors, families and library users alike.”

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said:

"This is a really positive move forward.

"It’s important that we are open when the public want to visit us.

"We've worked closely with Preston City Council and also taken important feedback from the public consultation on board to achieve this.

"The Harris can now continue to go from strength to strength.”