Ipswich Museum

Ipswich Museum is a local history museum on High Street that houses more than 200,000 objects across several collections. The building contains archaeological finds, natural history specimens, and art pieces that document the region's heritage.

The institution was founded in 1846 by local industrialists and moved to its current Grade II listed building on High Street in 1881. This relocation allowed the growing collection to be housed in a permanent home that could serve the community long-term.

The building reflects its role as a gathering place for the town's residents and scholars, with exhibition spaces that showcase regional heritage and local craftsmanship. You can see this in how the galleries are arranged to tell the story of Suffolk's people and their creations.

The location is easily accessible on High Street in Ipswich and works well for self-guided visits at your own pace. Plan to spend several hours exploring the different galleries and collections throughout the building.

The collection includes specimens gathered by John Stevens Henslow, a naturalist who trained Charles Darwin and later served as museum president for over a decade. This connection ties the collection to a significant chapter in the history of scientific study.

Location: Ipswich

Inception: 1846

Part of: Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service

Address: High Street, Ipswich, IP1 3QH

Phone: +441473433551

Website: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/ipswich-museum

GPS coordinates: 52.06060,1.15090

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00