Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery | Carlisle, United Kingdom

Unveiling Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, affectionately referred to as Tullie, is one of Carlisle’s most treasured historical landmarks. Opened in 1893, this former Jacobean mansion provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of history and art, making it a must-visit on your city exploration journey. While Tullie is currently undergoing redevelopment and will fully reopen in the autumn of 2024, its impressive collections provide ample reasons to anticipate a visit.

Stepping Inside a Grade I Listed Building

The museum's historic charm is enhanced by its status as a Grade I listed building, indicating its exceptional architectural and historical significance. Initially, the building served multiple purposes, housing a library, an art school, and a technical school alongside the museum. Although these institutions have since relocated, the rich history within the walls of Tullie remains palpable.

A Peek at the Extensive Collections

Tullie House boasts an eclectic array of collections across various disciplines such as zoology, botany, and geology. The museum once benefited from the dedication of local plant collector Clara Winsome Muirhead, whose contributions enhanced its botanical offerings in the 1940s. Visitors can marvel at the fine and decorative arts, featuring works by notable artists including:

• Edward Burne-Jones
• Stanley Spencer
• Winifred Nicholson
• Sheila Fell
• Phil Morsman

Musical Instruments and Roman Legacy

Among the cultural sites within Tullie House, the museum houses a remarkable collection of stringed instruments, including a historic violin crafted by Andrea Amati. This unique piece connects visitors to a musical heritage that spans centuries.

The museum also dives deep into the Roman history of Carlisle, showcasing artifacts from two ancient forts, particularly Uxelodunum, the largest fort along Hadrian's Wall. With important collections and temporary exhibitions, visitors can explore what life was like during Roman Britain.

Vikings and the Border Reivers

Not just a repository of Roman history, Tullie House encompasses the broader span of human history in the region, dedicating sections to both the Vikings and the infamous Border Reivers. This rich array of exhibitions makes it a significant historical site for those interested in studying the dynamic interactions that have occurred across centuries.

Accolades and Recognition

The efforts to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere at Tullie House were rewarded when it won the Family Friendly Museum Award in 2015, an accolade sponsored by the Telegraph Media Group. This recognition underscores the museum's commitment to engaging all ages and enhancing the visitor experience.

Planning Your Visit

While Tullie House is under renovation, the anticipation surrounding its reopening is palpable. When it reopens, visitors can expect a brand new entrance on Castle Street, enhancing accessibility to this cultural monument. As you plan your trip to Carlisle, consider adding this treasure to your list of tourist attractions to explore.

Explore with AllTours

For a truly immersive experience, why not enhance your understanding of Tullie and the wider history of United Kingdom through an audio tour? AllTours offers an engaging way to discover city landmarks and historical sites at your pace, allowing you to delve deeper into the stories that make Tullie House and Carlisle unique.

Join us for the Chronicles of Carlisle: An Acoustic Journey Through History, where Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery features prominently. Learn more and book your audio tour here.