Previously at Wakefield Museum

• Plastic Fantastic? Wed 29th Jul 2026
  Start your Artwalk at Wakefield Museum! Visit Wakefield Museum to enjoy our brand-new exhibition, ‘Plastic Fantastic?’, with special curator-led introductions to the gallery. In the early 1900s, a new wonder material began to appear in our homes. Cheap and colourful, lightweight and hardwearing, plastic was an exciting modern phenomenon. By the late 1900s, we relied on plastic every day. But plastic can also be harmful to our planet. Today, many people are looking at ways to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic, while scientists explore alternative materials. Discover the history, impact and future of plastics. Consider their role in our lives and their effect on the environment. Admire vibrant objects from a time when plastic promised a better life. Find out what you can do to help the plastic problem today.   Drop in to the museum from 5-7pm to explore the exhibition and meet the curator for introductions and object handling until 6:45pm. Plus, discover even more from the museum’s remarkable collection of colourful mid-20th century plastic homewares with special object handling opportunities. Curator introductions to the exhibition and object handling will run until 6:45pm. The ‘Plastic Fantastic?’ exhibition is supported by The Exhibitions Group.
• Artwalk at Wakefield Museum Wed 28th Jan 2026
  Explore the updated exhibition 'Cynthia Kenny: A city framed' alongside other exhibits as Wakefield Museum opens late.
• A World of Good Celebration Event Wed 26th Nov 2025
  Start your Artwalk at Wakefield Museum! Wakefield Museums and Castles are holding a celebration event to mark the recent opening of three exciting new displays and artist installations. Join us to celebrate the stunning new A World of Good gallery. In the 1800s environmental campaigner, Charles Waterton set out to do “a world of good.” He campaigned against pollution, protected wildlife, and created the world’s first nature park at his home at Walton Hall. Admire an intricate recreation of the park, carefully crafted by paper artist, Andy Singleton. What will you spot behind Waterton’s wall? Don’t miss the badgers and foxes burrowing under your feet! Find out more about Waterton’s pioneering conservation work. Discover how his ideas are still important today as we face a climate crisis. Meet the local people taking action and pledge to Do A World of Good yourself. Plus enjoy two fantastic new installations by local early-career disabled artists. In partnership with Wakefield Council, Lisa Fascione and Joanne Tiffany received micro-commissions and had mentoring from Wakefield-born artist, Jason Wilsher-Mills. Over several months, they have developed imaginative new works reflecting their unique voices and creative journeys. Drop in to explore the museum from 5-7pm. Meet Andy, Lisa and Joanne to chat about their work. Join Andy Singleton to try your hand at some papercraft yourself.
• Exhibition Celebration Event - Cynthia Kenny: A City Framed Wed 30th Jul 2025
  Wakefield Museums and Castles are holding a celebration event to mark the recent opening of our new special exhibition, Cynthia Kenny: A city framed. Join us to celebrate the life and work of much-loved local artist and cultural champion, Cynthia Kenny (1929 – 2021). Explore Wakefield through her artist's eyes. Enjoy city skylines and rural landscapes captured with paintbrush and pen. Admire iconic views and discover hidden architectural gems. Spend some time in Cynthia’s Wakefield and see how our city has changed. Discover more about Kenny's influence and legacy in the words of those who knew her. See how she continues to inspire artists today, with photography by the Wakefield Museums and Castles Youth Forum and an exclusive new soundscape by Wakefield-based artist, Michelle Duxbury. Plus pick up a pencil and paper and take some time to sketch for yourself. Drop in to explore the exhibition from 5pm to 7pm. A formal opening and special curator-led spotlight tours will take place from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.