Armitt Museum Ambleside

The Armitt Museum, Ambleside, is a museum and library located in the Lake District. It was founded in 1912 by Mary Louisa Armitt, a local philanthropist who wanted to create a space where people could come together to learn about the history and culture of the area.

The museum houses a collection of books, manuscripts, watercolours, archaeological remains, geological specimens, and other artefacts related to the history of Ambleside and the Lake District. The Armitt Library and Museum Centre is a registered charity and relies on donations and admissions to continue operating for the benefit of all. Visitors can support the museum by making a donation or becoming a member.

The Armitt Museum Ambleside is a popular destination for those interested in the history and culture of the Lake District. The museum’s collection includes works by local artists and writers, as well as artefacts related to the area’s industrial and social history. The Ambleside Art Gallery, located within the museum, showcases the work of contemporary artists and hosts regular exhibitions throughout the year.

History

The Armitt Museum and Library is an independent museum and library situated in Ambleside, Cumbria. Founded in 1909 by Mary Louisa Armitt, the museum has a rich history and is home to a vast collection of artefacts that tell the story of Ambleside and its people.

Founding of the Armitt Museum

Mary Louisa Armitt was a prominent figure in the Ambleside community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a keen collector of books, manuscripts, and artefacts related to the Lake District’s history and culture.

In 1909, she founded the Armitt Museum as a subscription library, with the aim of sharing her collection with the wider community. The museum quickly gained popularity and expanded its collection to include a wide range of objects, from Roman remains to Beatrix Potter‘s fungi watercolours.

Significance of the Armitt Museum

The Armitt Museum has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Ambleside and the Lake District. Its collection includes works by prominent figures such as William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter, among others.

The museum’s library is also home to a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials related to the Lake District’s history and culture. The library is a valuable resource for researchers and scholars interested in the region’s cultural heritage.

Today, the Armitt Museum and Library continues to be a popular destination for visitors to Ambleside, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.

Collections

The Armitt Museum in Ambleside is home to a diverse collection of artifacts that tell the history and heritage of Ambleside and its people. The collections are full of quirky and unusual items that are sure to pique the interest of visitors.

Art Collection

The Armitt Museum’s art collection includes works by both local and national artists. One of the most notable pieces in the collection is a watercolour by Beatrix Potter, who was a frequent visitor to the area. The museum also has a collection of paintings by Kurt Schwitters, a German artist who lived in Ambleside for a time. Other artists represented in the collection include George Romney, William Green, and Alfred Heaton Cooper.

Library Collection

The Armitt Museum’s library collection is a treasure trove of books, manuscripts, and other documents related to the history and culture of Ambleside and the Lake District. The library has a special focus on the works of local authors, including William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and Arthur Ransome. Visitors can browse the shelves and peruse rare and first edition books, or delve into the museum’s collection of letters, diaries, and other personal papers.

The Armitt Museum also has a small gift shop, where visitors can purchase books, souvenirs, and other items related to the museum’s collections. For those who want to delve deeper into the history and culture of Ambleside, a visit to The Armitt Museum is a must.

For those who want to continue exploring the literary history of Ambleside, the Ambleside Bookshop is a great place to start. Located just a short walk from The Armitt Museum, the bookshop has a wide selection of books on local history, literature, and culture, as well as a great selection of fiction and non-fiction titles.

Facilities

The Armitt Museum in Ambleside offers a range of facilities for visitors. Here are some of the key features:

Armitt Museum Opening Times

MUSEUM HOURS

Winter Season

15 February-31 March 2023:

Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30am-4:30pm, last entry at 4pm

Summer Season

1 April-29 October 2023:

Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm, last entry at 4:30pm

We are also open on the first Tuesday of every month.

Armitt Museum Cost

Adults – £6 (with or without gift aid)
Students – £4
Children (under 16) – Free
Friends of the Armitt – Free
Museum Association and Art Fund Members – Free

The Armitt is an independent trust and charity so relies on admissions and donations to continue to open for the benefit of all. If you’d like to support us further, please consider making a donation here.

For all paying adults, your ticket provides you free entry again within the next 12 months.

There are also opportunities to support the museum further by becoming a Friend of the Armitt, which includes benefits such as free entry to exhibitions, invitations to special events, and discounts in the museum shop. More information about becoming a Friend of the Armitt can be found on the museum’s website.

Visitors should note that some exhibitions and events at the Armitt Museum may have an additional cost. Details of any charges will be clearly displayed on the museum’s website and at the museum itself.

Armitt Museum Parking

There is no parking onsite, apart from one disabled bay for blue badge holders to the right of the building. There is a South Lakeland District Council pay and display car park on Rydal Road, just across the road from The Armitt. There is also pay and display parking on the University of Cumbria Ambleside Campus – this is not always available and open to the public so please check the onsite signage.

Accessibility

The Armitt is situated at the tip of the University of Cumbria campus. You can get to us by car or on foot and there is level access into the building. We have one disabled parking bay for blue badge holders.

The museum is situated over two-floors with level access across each. The Armitt is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. There are toilet facilities, including disabled, in the building. The platform stairlift operates from the ground floor to the first floor providing access to all our spaces.