The Harris celebrates success in opening month following major transformation

The Harris has enjoyed a busy time after unveiling its £19m redevelopment project, significantly surpassing visitor targets and receiving overwhelmingly positive public feedback.

In the first eight weeks of opening, The Harris welcomed 105,177 visitors, exceeding its target. In the first four weeks alone, average weekly visitor numbers reached 14,500 - more than double the pre-closure weekly average of 6,730.

This strong start sets The Harris on a promising trajectory toward its ambitious target of 450,000 visitors per year, already outperforming pre-closure annual figures of 345,258.

Commercial performance has also been robust. Sales in both The Harris Shop and the new café have doubled forecasted levels.

Visitor experience data further highlights the success of the reopening, with 88% positive satisfaction scores. Many visitors have praised the building’s revitalised atmosphere, describing the reopened Harris as “an old friend” and celebrating the balance of heritage with refreshed, modern spaces.

The Harris’ opening programme continues with a series of exhibitions, events, and community activities designed to welcome audiences of all ages and interests into the renewed building.

Gallery One is currently hosting a spectacular celebration of art and animation with the blockbuster exhibition Wallace & Gromit: In A Case at the Museum. Showcasing beloved characters including Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Feathers McGraw. The exhibition, running until Sunday, 4 January 2026, features original sketches, sets and props, alongside interactive displays that take visitors behind the scenes of Aardman’s renowned stop-motion animation techniques

The Harris reopened Sunday, 28 September 2025 following a £19m capital redevelopment project made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Preston City Council, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council, and many other generous partners and supporters.

Councillor Hindle Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: “The Harris reopening has got off to a phenomenal start, with figures far surpassing our original projections.

‘’The feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive with many people enjoying all aspects of The Harris including the exhibitions, the new reimagined library and display areas and of course, the Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum exhibition. If you haven’t already managed to visit the exhibition, I urge you to have a family day out over the upcoming Christmas holidays as it is well worth a trip and only here until 4 January!”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are thrilled and very proud to have been able to support the amazing transformation of The Harris thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

‘’It’s fantastic to see the positive reaction to the regeneration of this much-loved museum and increased footfall from visitors who have been discovering the captivating heritage The Harris has to offer.”