Preston’s Harris Museum scoops 'rare' visitor accolade
Preston’s recently revamped Harris Museum has received official recognition for the experience it offers visitors.
The attraction achieved a 90 per cent score following its first VisitEngland Quality Assessment - securing official accreditation under the VisitEngland scheme.
Preston City Council, which runs the venue, says such a high rating is a “rare achievement” for an initial assessment and “reflects the hard work, dedication and professionalism of staff and partners” involved in its relaunch.
The Harris - now a newly-blended museum, art gallery and library - reopened in September after a four-year, £19m renovation. It had attracted almost 155,000 visitors by the end of 2025.
The VisitEngland assessment praised all aspects of the visitor experience journey, with every area evaluated to ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ quality standards.
Particular strengths identified included the innovative design of the blended library spaces, and the diverse exhibitions programme - supported by a varied year-round programme of events and activities.
The Harris website, shop, cafe and other visitor facilities were also recognised as key enhancements to the overall experience.
Across the entire visit, the presence of cheerful, enthusiastic and welcoming staff was identified as a standout feature.
Simon Hobson, Quality Assessor, Visitor Attractions at VisitEngland Assessment Services, said: “Overall this was a very positive first accreditation visit for The Harris. There was an excellent showing across the full spectrum of the visitor experience journey.
“It was very apparent that the Grade I-listed building has had a superb transformation that has created some state-of-the-art new galleries, excellent community facilities, appealing learning spaces and an attractive café and shop.
“As well as benefiting from new lighting and accessibility improvements, the building now features a blended library throughout the exhibition space and last year welcomed the Oscar-winning animator and creator of Wallace and Gromit, Nick Park, back to his home town with a landmark opening exhibition.
“This all adds up to a wonderful first six months after re-opening for The Harris. After these successes, the museum now seems set to go from strength to strength in the months and years ahead.”
Councillor Anna Hindle, cabinet member of culture and arts at Preston City Council, added: “Achieving a 90 per cent quality score in its very first VisitEngland assessment is a tremendous accomplishment for The Harris and for our city.
“This accreditation recognises not only the scale and ambition of the redevelopment, but the passion and dedication of the team who have created a welcoming, inclusive and high-quality cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. I would like to thank all the staff at the Harris for such a great job.
“This recognition from VisitEngland cements The Harris as the centre piece of our culture and leisure, visitor offer. We will be building on this foundation to further grow and strengthen our visitor economy and celebrate Preston’s compelling offer.
“The Harris is a cornerstone of our cultural offer and this recognition reinforces its position as one of the region’s leading visitor attractions.”