The Museum itself dates back to 1857.

With long standing and temporary exhibits, the Museum and Art Gallery is fascinating.  There are historic artefacts from thousands of years ago and from all around the World as well as locally.  The Soldier's Story Gallery contains uniforms, weapons, equipment and medals from three Regiments based in the area.  These regiments served all around the World and during both World Wars.

The highlights of the gallery are the two Ancient Egyptian mummies given to the museum by Joseph Strutt, the former Mayor of Derby. The Mummies have been on display at the museum since it opened in 1879.