Museums and Galleries in Blackpool

Creative Tourist

It might be known – tongue firmly in cheek – as the Las Vegas of the North, but Blackpool is a town steeped in art, culture and heritage.

Its historical assets are well known, from the famed 130-year old Blackpool Tower to one of the oldest electric tramways in the world, which still glides along the seafront to this day.

The town’s more recent, showbiz history is well documented too, written into the promenade itself as part of the Comedy Carpet installation, and brought to vivid life at Showtown Museum, one of the town’s most popular family attractions.

But there’s a different, more artistic side to Blackpool. Complimenting the historic yet future-facing Grundy Art Gallery, a vibrant community of local artists have developed creative hubs in recent years, with Aunty Social and The Old Electric doing brilliant things to support and spotlight Backpool’s creative community.

The not-for-profit Abington Studios and The Hive Cafe, with its free-to-exhibit ‘GuggenHive’ wall are brilliant, too, encapsulating the spirit of a town that increasingly supports local artists, no matter what point they’re at in their creative journey.

Covering arty escapades, family adventures and everything in between, here’s our round-up of Blackpool’s best museums and galleries.

Our top picks

Grundy Art Gallery

Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PU - Visit now

One of the essential stops on any trip to Blackpool, the town’s leading art gallery was established in 1911 by brothers Cuthbert and John Grundy, and continues to programme the work of established and emerging artists from the UK and around the world.

JJ.

Showtown Blackpool

Showtown Blackpool, Bank Hey St, Blackpool , FY1 4TQ - Visit now

Learn more about Blackpool’s showbiz history at this all-singing, all-dancing attraction, where you’ll get to meet a host of iconic performers who helped this seaside resort become what it is today.

Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

Heritage Tram Tours

Heritage Tram Tours, North Pier, Promenade, Blackpool , FY1 1NE - Visit now

Whether you’re a seasoned tram enthusiast or looking for a unique family day out, Heritage Tram Tours offer a great opportunity to experience a piece of moving history as you embark on a unique journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway.

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Heritage Tram Tours, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

HIVE Blackpool

HIVE Blackpool, 80-82 Church St, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HP - Visit now

Home to both an alternative gallery and a fantastic coffee shop, we love Hive for its ‘GuggenHive’ wall: a space in the gallery’s entrance where creatives of all art forms can exhibit their work for free

Ian Jones.

Abingdon Studios

Abingdon Studios, 14 Abington Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1DE - Visit now

Abingdon Studios is a not-for-profit, artist-run contemporary art studios and project space situated in the heart of the town centre, where it supports both visiting artists and Blackpool locals.

Abingdon Studios
Image courtesy of Abingdon Studios, Blackpool.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Madame Tussauds Blackpool, 89 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

If you want to rub shoulders with your favourite celebrities, look no further than Madame Tussauds Blackpool, where you’ll get up close and personal with A-listers, Marvel Superheroes, soap stars and much more.

Two children stood in front of the Hulk
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Aunty Social

Aunty Social, 28 Topping St, Blackpool, FY1 3AQ - Visit now

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community, with a focus on fostering a safe and supportive space for all.

Ian Jones.
Ian Jones.

The Comedy Carpet

The Comedy Carpet, Tower Festival Headland, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1NE - Visit now

Lancashire’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visitors to the floor of laughs will find a unique twist on the original walk that celebrates the famous British sense of humour with sayings from over 1,0000 different UK greats.

The Comedy Carpet
Creative Tourist

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Ocean Boulevard, Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1EZ - Visit now

Right next ti Blackpool Pleasure Beach, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to explore the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
JJ.

The Old Electric Blackpool

The Old Electric Blackpool, Springfield Road, Blackpool, FY1 1QW - Visit now

Founded back in 2020, this thriving community arts space provides a reliable location for creativity and culture, with everything from theatre shows to hands-on arts classes and exhibitions on offer.

JJ.

Where to go in Blackpool

Abingdon Studios
Blackpool
Gallery
Abingdon Studios

Abingdon Studios is a contemporary visual art studios and project space based in the heart of Blackpool Town Centre.

Blackpool
Café or Coffee Shop
HIVE Blackpool

HIVE is an independent artisan quality coffee shop with its own art gallery and resident baker.

Blackpool
Gallery
Grundy Art Gallery

Grundy Art Gallery is recognised as a leading contemporary arts venue in the North West, with a programme featuring established and emerging artists from the UK and around the world.

Blackpool Visitor Guides

Records and Relics frontage
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