Welcome to Harborough Museum



Harborough Museum remains open during renovation work
The Symington Building will remain open to the public as normal while a programme of renovation works is carried out, starting on Monday 9 June.
The renovation work includes improvements to the Grade II listed building’s external masonry, roof and the windows to the front of the building and the tower. It is expected to last up to 39 weeks until March 2026.
Read more about the improvements to the former Victorian corset factory and iconic community asset.
The Harborough Museum
Visit our award-winning museum and discover the mysteries of the magnificent Iron-Age Hallaton Treasure and Harborough’s history including the Symington fashion collection, light entertainer Ernest Elliott, and more.
Discover the Hallaton Treasure

What are the mysteries of this unique treasure, found at Hallaton in 2000? Over 5,000 coins, a Roman Cavalry helmet and many more treasures tell the stories of Iron-Age Harborough.
DiscoverImmerse yourself in local history

Discover stories of an eccentric innkeeper, cursed shoes, home-grown industries and more in our wonderful displays.
Browse collectionsExplore the Symington Building

The Symington Building was one of several iconic factories, and is now home to the museum. Learn about its history as part of an internationally-successful business.
Start exploringWhat's on at the Harborough Museum

1645: Civil War Comes to Harborough
- Tuesday 20th May to Saturday 9th August, All day
An exhibition charting the effects of the Battle of Naseby on the local area in 1645.
Read more about '1645: Civil War Comes to Harborough'
Wonders of Nature
- Saturday 14th June to Saturday 11th October, All day
Discover the wonder of nature this summer at Market Harborough Library and Harborough Museum!
Read more about 'Wonders of Nature'
Jewellery Stories
- Tuesday 24th June to Saturday 1st November, All day
Discover the stories and meanings behind beautiful pieces of jewellery dating from the Bronze Age to the 17th century.
Read more about 'Jewellery Stories'
Lego Create and Play
- From: Wednesday 2nd July, 3pm to 5pm
See all upcoming dates
Bring out your creative side with Lego in the museum and library!
Read more about 'Lego Create and Play'
Wriggly Readers
- From: Thursday 3rd July, 10:30am to 11am
See all upcoming dates
Fun, informal sessions for babies and children aged 0-4 years and their parents/carers.
Read more about 'Wriggly Readers'
Wonders of Nature with Jessi – Giant Garden: Painting & Stencilling Workshop
- Friday 18th July, 10:30am to 12pm
Discover the wonders of nature with a wild and wonderful workshop with artist Jessi!
Read more about 'Wonders of Nature with Jessi – Giant Garden: Painting & Stencilling Workshop'Excellent!
Excellent! Went to see a photographic exhibition which was superb. The museum collection on display was a complete bonus, no idea so many items originated in Market Harborough beyond corsets. Would really recommend a visit when going to Market Harborough or even just make this the focus of your visit, although the town is well worth a mooch round. Downstairs at the museum is a lovely coffee shop too. I will certainly visit again! The museum is FREE so ideal for everyone!!
M D - Google, February 2024
Harborough Museum – well worth a visit
I really enjoyed Harborough Museum. It is informative and well laid out. Hallaton hoard and how it was found was fascinating to find out about. Also very interesting to learn about the social and industrial history of the town and the area. A very varied collection of exhibits – corsets, desserts, batteries, shoes. . .to name but a few. The adjoining library looks well worth a visit too.
Hillybilly50 - Trip Advisor, February 2024
The Hallaton Helmet… and so much more
This museum is, quite simply, brilliant. The gallery devoted to the Hallaton Treasure is pitched for every level, from a dressing-up box for small children, to archaeologically-themed games for older children, to a fantastic amount of detail for enthusiastic amateur and not-so-amateur archaeologists…In the next gallery, displays on all aspect of the area and town’s history are elegantly presented, showing that you can have cabinets full of interesting items with good descriptions without it feeling crowded.
DiscerningPenguin - TripAdvisor, January 2025
A Treasure Trove!
The displays are interesting and artistic. I love the backdrop artistic representations of the Iron age settlement which brings alive the fascinating Hallaton hoard. The history of Market Harborough and the surrounding area is captured through interesting displays.
BellatrixL_13 - Trip Advisor, March 2024
Five Stars
Plenty to see and some great interactive exhibits for small children.
Jeremy Hammant - Google, March 2025