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From old favourite items to hidden gems not previously displayed, our galleries have been given a glorious facelift. Meander through our displays, marvelling at ancient craftsmanship, fantastic folk traditions and turbulent tales of riotous revolts.

Our galleries tell the stories of local people from the earliest prehistoric settlers to those of us who live here today. Surrounded by wide skies and flat, wet fens, the people of Ely and its environs have adapted their lives, their trades and their pastimes to make the most of the unusual landscape. Find out about eel fishing, fen skating, why the rivers are higher than the roads and why the soil is known as black gold.

Visitors may turn up to the museum without booking. You may arrive at any time from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, however the first thirty minutes of the day are often busy and at certain times there may be a short wait for entry.

 

Opening hours
  • Tuesday to Saturday 10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Bank Holidays 10:30am - 5:00pm

Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays)

Christmas Opening Hours

Closed Sunday 22 December – Wednesday 1 January
Open from Thursday 2 January as normal

Admissions
  • Adult £6.50
  • Child £2.50
  • Under 5s Free
  • Family £15.00
  • Art Pass & MA Members Free

Tickets provide entry for a year from purchase

Ely Museum

The Old Gaol, Market St, Ely CB7 4LS

Ely Museum

The Old Gaol
Market Street
Ely, Cambridgeshire
CB7 4LS

Ely Museum is located on the corner of Market Street and Lynn Road with the main entrance on Market Street.

The museum is a five-minute walk from Ely Market and from Ely Cathedral and a twenty-minute walk from the train station. The museum entrance is directly opposite the main bus stops in central Ely.

Contact us

Facilities

Toilets

There are four toilets in total, two on each floor. There is one accessible toilet on the ground floor. Each floor has a toilet with baby changing facilities.

Access

There is step free access from the road throughout Ely Museum. There is a fully enclosed lift to access the second floor.

For more information on accessibility and access please see our dedicated page.

Accessibility and Access

 

 

Photography

You are welcome to take photographs in the galleries for personal use. Please share your photos with us on social media @elymuseum #elymuseum

Animals

Please no animals (except assistance dogs)

Food and drink

Please no food or drink in the galleries, they can harm our collections.

Explorer kits

Explorer kits available to help children explore the museum.

Group Visits

We are delighted to welcome pre-booked group visits to Ely Museum.

For groups of more than 10 on a pre-booked visit, the admission price is £5.50.

Call 01353 666655 or email admin@elymuseum.org.uk to enquire about booking.

The Ely Experience

The One Stop Pass – convenient, accessible, and fast Group Tour option.

Ely Museum have teamed up with Visit Ely and other key heritage attractions in Ely’s City Centre allowing you to “Pick and Mix” your perfect pass to access just what you want to!

Examples would include admission to Ely Museum combined with visiting Oliver Cromwell’s House, Ely Cathedral or also include The Stained-Glass Museum.

All four for just £48 per person.

The Visit Ely team can also organise arrival refreshments, lunches and more to make your whole day run smoothly and be as enjoyable as possible.

For a truly bespoke trip, why not try The Ely Experience – email or call to discuss pricing.

Email – info@visitely.org.uk or Call 01353 66062

What’s on display

Ely Museum tells the stories of the people and the landscape of Ely and its surrounding area from prehistory to the present day.

What’s On Display

Research Hub

Our research hub allows visitors to discover more about Ely Museum’s collection. Search our collection in store or find out more about the objects on display. Watch locally made history films and read local history books from our library.

Shop

Our museum shop stocks an exciting range of products ranging from educational local history books to children’s toys. We have carefully selected all products to highlight our collection and are perfect gifts for you to take home. All sales from the from the shop go to directly supporting the museum.