The Museum is closed Thu 25 December – Thu 1 January. The Museum reopens on Friday 2 January,10am-4pm (please see our festive hours here)
Following further negotiations with UNISON,industrial action, largely affecting our Underground Tours, is confirmed to take place until Wednesday 28 January 2026. Although Underground Tours will be unavailable during this period, theMuseum Remains Open, and continues to share the important history of coal mining with our visitors. Read the full statement here and FAQs.
Set up by Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 1842 Children’s Employment Commission collected information about the condition and treatment of children working underground.
