National museums of the United Kingdom facts for kids

National museums in the United Kingdom are special places. They are like huge treasure chests filled with amazing objects from history, art, and science. These museums are run by the government. They get their money from the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This department helps look after culture and sports in the country.

There are 14 main national museums in England. They were all started by special laws passed by the government. Eight more museums are also supported by the DCMS.

Besides England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also have their own national museums. These are supported by their local governments. For example, museums in Scotland get money from the Scottish Government. Those in Wales get money from the Welsh Government. And museums in Northern Ireland are funded by their Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Good news! You can usually get into all UK national museums for free. However, some special shows or exhibits might cost money to see. Many of these museums have more than one location across the UK. This means you can find parts of the same museum in different cities!

National Museums in England

These museums are some of the biggest and most famous in England. They were created by special laws passed by the government.

• British Museum, London: Home to millions of objects from around the world.
• Imperial War Museums, London, Cambridge, and Manchester: These museums tell stories about wars and conflicts.
• National Gallery, London: Filled with famous paintings from many centuries.
• National Maritime Museum, London: Explores Britain's history with the sea.
• National Museums Liverpool: A group of museums in Liverpool.
  • World Museum, Liverpool: Shows natural history, world cultures, and ancient Egypt.
  • Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool: Features a large collection of paintings.
  • Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool: Focuses on Liverpool's port history.
  • Seized! The Border and Customs uncovered, Liverpool: About border control and customs.
  • International Slavery Museum, Liverpool: Teaches about the history of slavery.
  • Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight: Displays art and decorative items.
  • Sudley House, Liverpool: A Victorian merchant's house with art.
  • Museum of Liverpool, Liverpool: Tells the story of Liverpool city.
• Science Museum Group: A group of museums all about science and technology.
  • Science Museum, London: A huge museum of science and innovation.
  • Science and Industry Museum, Manchester: Explores Manchester's industrial past.
  • National Railway Museum, York: Home to amazing trains and railway history.
  • National Science and Media Museum, Bradford: Focuses on photography, film, and television.
  • National Collections Centre, Swindon: Where large museum objects are stored.
  • Locomotion, Shildon: Another railway museum.
• National Portrait Gallery, London: Shows portraits of famous British people.
• National Army Museum, Chelsea, London: Tells the story of the British Army.
• Natural History Museum, London: Famous for its dinosaur skeletons and natural wonders.
• Royal Armouries, Leeds, London, and Portsmouth: Displays arms and armour from different times.
• Royal Air Force Museum, London and Shropshire: Explores the history of the Royal Air Force.
• Sir John Soane's Museum, London: The unique house and collection of an architect.
• Tate, London, Liverpool, and St. Ives, Cornwall: A group of galleries showing British and modern art.
• Victoria and Albert Museum, London: A huge museum of art, design, and performance.
• Wallace Collection, London: A collection of fine and decorative arts.

Sponsored Museums

These museums are also supported by the DCMS.

• Horniman Museum and Gardens, London: Known for its natural history, musical instruments, and gardens.
• Museum of the Home, London: Explores how homes and home life have changed.
• National Coal Mining Museum for England, Overton, West Yorkshire: Teaches about coal mining history.

National Museums in Scotland

Scotland has its own fantastic national museums. They are supported by the Scottish Government.

National Museums in Wales

Wales also has a group of national museums. They are supported by the Welsh Government.

National Museums in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has its own national museums. They are supported by the Northern Ireland Executive.

• Ulster Museum
• Ulster Folk and Transport Museums
• Ulster American Folk Park
• Armagh County Museum

See also

• List of museums in England
• List of museums in Scotland
• List of museums in Wales
• List of museums in Northern Ireland