The Harris

The Harris is the cultural heartbeat of Preston, a thriving hub of creativity and community that showcases the best of art, literature and history. Promoting inclusivity and diversity, giving a voice to those who are often excluded, and fostering a sense of community, ownership and pride in our shared cultural heritage.

For 130 years, The Harris has been both a cherished space for communities to come together and a home for world-class culture, exhibitions and collections. Each year, The Harris welcomes and inspires more than one thousand people a day from every walk of life. It’s a landmark, drawing visitors to Preston from far and wide.

Harris Your Place Project

The Harris is currently being reimagined as part of The Harris Your Place project, reopening in 2025. The Harris has been granted £16 million from many funders which will allow for the Grade I listed building to be refurbished. The Harris Library and IT Services are still available for all in its new ‘home from home’ in the Preston Guild Hall.

Once the Harris Your Place project is complete, there will be new flexible spaces for school visits, workshops, art and books. The Harris Café will display elements of the beautiful ceramics and glass and the Harris Shop will sell items inspired by the Harris collections created by local artists. The displays in the community gallery and throughout the building will interchange on a regular basis and keep developing in partnership with our communities.