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![15930-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-16-9 A stone lion in the foreground and a round glass and metal structure in the background.](https://images.sunderlandculture.org.uk/uploads/2024/07/15930-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-16-9.jpg?resize=19%2C10&gravity)
![15930-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-16-9 A stone lion in the foreground and a round glass and metal structure in the background.](https://images.sunderlandculture.org.uk/uploads/2024/07/15930-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-16-9.jpg?resize=10%2C13&gravity)
About Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Discover the story of Sunderland, acclaimed art exhibitions and tropical Winter Gardens – all under one roof!
With a collection dating back to 1846, there is a whole lot to see. The most famous object the collection is Wallace the Lion. Wallace was part of a touring wild animal show which visited Sunderland during 1868. He came to the city with the then famous African tamer Martini Maccomo. When he died, some years later, Wallace the lion came into the Museum’s collection. Over 135 years later, he’s still here and remains one of the most popular exhibits…now posing for selfies!
These days, Wallace is joined by the first Nissan car to roll off the production line at their Sunderland factory in 1986. The car plant replaced shipbuilding as one of the major industries in Sunderland.
Sunderland has a rich history of industries. All are explored throughout the museums four floors – shipbuilding, coal mining, glass making and pottery as well many other aspects of the city’s past. Our ‘Secrets of the Past’ gallery, for example, delves into the lives of the Anglo-Saxon monks who resided at St Peter’s Monastery in Monkwearmouth.
The Museums Art Gallery shows a significant collection of the works by LS Lowry, an artist who spent lots of time in Sunderland. We also host high profile visiting exhibitions including works by Leonardo Da Vinci and Canaletto.
The Museum’s shop has a fantastic range of Sunderland-themed gifts alongside locally made crafts.
Alongside our permanent and temporary exhibitions, our ever-changing events programme means that there is always something new and exciting to see and do for all the family.
Please note that the Pottery Gallery is occasionally closed to the public due to special events taking place. Please contact us before your visit to check opening information.
The Winter Gardens, a 21st Century addition to the museum is a tropical paradise and home to our resident Koi Carp. Over 2,000 plants thrive in the glass rotunda. From the tree top walkway, visitors have a bird’s eye view of beautiful Mowbray Park.