The Harris in Preston will reopen its doors on Sunday, 28 September 2025 following a landmark £19 million refurbishment—headlined by a major new exhibition: Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum, created in collaboration with Aardman and Preston’s own Oscar-winning animator, Nick Park.

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The special exhibition is a heartfelt homecoming for Park, whose childhood visits to The Harris sparked a lifelong love of storytelling and filmmaking.

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“I’ve always been fascinated by Preston’s history and The Harris was a huge part of that,” said Nick Park. “As a young filmmaker, I spent hours exploring the museum and library—it really fuelled my curiosity. It’s an honour to bring Wallace and Gromit back to where it all began.”

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The exhibition will celebrate nearly 50 years of animation, showcasing original sketches, props, and sets from across Park’s career. Highlights include a full-scale recreation of Wallace’s living room—modelled after Park’s grandmother’s home in Preston—and hands-on displays that reveal Aardman’s iconic stop-motion process. It runs until Sunday, 4 January 2026.

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A Cultural Comeback for Preston

The reopening of The Harris marks a major cultural milestone for the North West. Through the Harris Your Place project, the Grade I-listed building has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive destination featuring 23 newly refurbished rooms, a modern library, family-friendly galleries, and improved accessibility throughout.

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“There’s no better way to welcome visitors back than with Aardman’s beloved creations,” said Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council. “This exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience for families and fans alike.”

Supported by Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and other partners, the revamp positions The Harris as a world-class cultural hub.

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By the Numbers:

• £19 million total investment

• 450,000+ projected annual visitors

• 60,000 square feet of public space

• 30,000 books in the new library

• 100,000+ collection items returned post-refurbishment

• 45 staff and 250 volunteers

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More Than Wallace & Gromit

Visitors can also enjoy a refreshed café, shop, new learning spaces, and heritage tours. A brand-new logo and website reflect The Harris’s bold new identity as a 21st-century museum and cultural centre.

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After closing in 2021, The Harris has undergone essential structural works, including asbestos removal, improved heating and lighting, and restoration of its historic architecture.

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Tickets for the reopening and October weekends go live at www.theharris.org.uk on Monday, 1 September 2025.