Visiting The Harris: A Visual Story

This Visual Story to help visitors and education groups get ready for their visit to The Harris.

Welcome to The Harris

Majestic neoclassical building with tall columns and intricate carvings, set against a vibrant blue sky. Pink banners hang, adding a touch of modernity.

The Harris is a museum, art gallery and library. There is also a shop and a café.

There are a few different entrances to The Harris, which are all accessible. Visitors can enter through automatic doors on both the left and right side of the building from The Flag Market.

The other entrance is located behind the building on Lancaster Road.

A family of four, with two children, walks hand in hand through a busy station. They appear cheerful and are surrounded by other people.

When visitors arrive through The Flag Market entrance, inside is The Harris Foyer. From here, visitors can use the stairs or lift to explore the different floors of the building.

Modern lobby with two grey armchairs under a staircase. A digital sign reads "Welcome to The Harris," next to a wall-mounted display screen.

The Harris has three floors. Visitors might explore all of them, or only some of them.

Overhead view of a grand museum atrium with ornate railings, large murals, and people admiring art on walls. Elegant, spacious, and historic ambiance.

There will be staff members around the building if help is needed. These staff members are called Visitor Services Assistants and they wear black uniforms. They can answer questions, help visitors find their way around and provide support during the visit.

A smiling person with blonde hair wearing glasses and a black vest stands in a warmly lit museum. Artworks and a tall clock are visible in the background.

When visitors first enter The Harris, Visitor Services Assistants may greet them in the foyer. Staff can provide maps and answer questions.

Tactile map on a table, showing a building floor plan with colored sections labeled in Braille. Bright and accessible design for visually impaired users.

The Harris can sometimes feel busy or noisy. There may be other visitors, children and groups in the building.

Toilets

Modern restroom with green tiles, a long white sink, and black faucets under hanging black lights. The space feels clean and minimalist.

There are toilets on the Ground Floor and the First Floor, including accessible and Changing Places toilets. Visitor Services Assistants or accompanying adults can help visitors find them.

Modern, accessible restroom with sleek white fixtures, grab bars, and ample space. Includes a fold-down changing table and a privacy screen.

The Rotunda

Spacious museum interior with circular layout, red walls, and tall columns. Exhibits include colorful art and dresses, creating an inviting atmosphere.

When visitors walk into The Harris, they enter a large space called The Rotunda.

In the middle of the room, The Pendulum will be swinging. There are also paintings displayed on the walls.

A golden pendulum swings above a circular, marble compass design on the floor of a grand, columned hall with red walls and arched doorways.

From here, visitors can explore different areas of the building.

The Family Library

Modern library interior showcasing colorful book displays on well-lit shelves with a decorative archway. Bright, inviting atmosphere.

In the Family Library, visitors can sit and read children’s books or complete colouring activities if they would like to.

There is museum objects displayed inside the book shelving, including old toys and historic books.

If visitors would like to borrow a book, a Visitor Services Assistant at the Welcome Desk can help.

The Studio

The Studio is used for events and activities. On occasion, this space may be closed off to the public.

Visitor can find fashion collection items and artworks on display.

If visitors are attending as part of a school or group visit, they may eat lunch in this space.

Sometimes this area can become noisy. If anyone needs support or a quieter place, they can ask a Visitor Services Assistant.

The Library

A spacious, well-lit library interior with tall, white columns, wooden floors, and shelves filled with colorful books. Walls have paintings and large windows.

The Library contains many books for adults to borrow. There are rows of bookshelves and places to sit quietly.

Visitors can sit on comfortable chairs here if they wish.

The Welcome Desk

Two people behind a reception desk at The Harris. They smile warmly. A digital sign above them displays event details. Bright, welcoming space.

At the Welcome Desk there are Visitor Services Assistants ready to help.

Visitors can ask questions about the building, activities, joining the library, borrowing books or exhibitions.

There is also another entrance and exit near the Welcome Desk. If visitors need to leave the building, a Visitor Services Assistant can show them the way.

The Harris Shop

Spacious store interior with shelves displaying books, toys, and gifts. Prominent "House of Marbles" sign, bright and organized ambiance.

Near the Welcome Desk is The Harris Shop.

There are gifts, books and souvenirs for children and adults. If visitors would like to buy something, they can take it to the till at the Welcome Desk where a Visitor Services Assistant will help them.

The Harris Café

The Harris Café sells food and both cold and hot drinks.

Café staff wear black uniforms and can answer questions about the menu.

Barista at a coffee shop counter using a touchscreen. Glass display case with assorted pastries in the foreground. Shelves with teapots behind.

There are tables and chairs where visitors can sit to eat and drink.

No. 9

No. 9 is a space for young people aged between 14 and 26.

There are tables, chairs, young adult fiction books, games and activities. There is also artwork on the walls chosen by young people.

If visitors wish to borrow a book, they can bring it to the Welcome Desk. A Visitor Services Assistant can help if needed.

The First Floor

A tribute wall features names listed under "In the Great War," alongside a staircase with silhouettes of soldiers and vehicles, evoking solemn remembrance.

Visitors can use the stairs or lift to go to the First Floor.

A tribute wall features names listed under "In the Great War," alongside a staircase with silhouettes of soldiers and vehicles, evoking solemn remembrance.

The lift is located in the far right corner of The Rotunda as you walk through The Flag Market entrance glass doors.

A fisheye view of an ornate art gallery with red walls, showcasing paintings and sculptures. Visitors explore the gallery, creating a lively, cultural atmosphere.

On this floor there are museum objects about Preston and paintings displayed on the walls.

A vibrant gallery wall features digital and traditional portraits. On the left, a screen shows a woman in colorful attire beside an interactive display. Various framed artworks in diverse styles are arranged against the red background, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere.

There are also self-led activities which involve drawing or writing at the stations near the glass doors. There are chairs where visitors can sit and rest.

A museum wall with blank papers and pencils invites visitors to draw portraits. Reflected in a mirror are two people in an ornate gallery. The mood is inviting.

There are also ladies toilets on the First Floor on the left as you enter through the glass doors. Visitor Services Assistants can show visitors where they are.

Discover Preston Gallery

Museum exhibit room featuring historical women's clothing displays. Bright orange and informative panels highlight women's contributions, creating an educational and inspiring atmosphere.

The Discover Preston Gallery contains museum objects about Preston’s history.

Visitors can walk around the room and look at the displays if they would like to.

A museum exhibit featuring a large dinosaur skeleton and a wall of mounted antlers. The room is spacious with wooden floors, creating an educational atmosphere.

There is also a popular Ice Age elk called Horace.

Gallery Two

Vibrant textile banners with floral patterns and colorful ribbons hang in a bright gallery, conveying a festive and lively atmosphere.

Gallery Two is a smaller exhibition space. This space changes three times a year with new exhibitions.

There is artwork on the walls with labels explaining the displays. Visitors can read these if they would like to.

The Hub

Spacious computer lab with wooden floors and large tables, lined with monitors and swivel chairs. A colorful abstract painting hangs on the wall, creating a modern, artistic vibe.

The Hub is a room with computers and a printer.

There is also artwork chosen by local people displayed on the walls.

The Reading Room

Spacious library room with tall windows, wooden floors, tables, and chairs. Shelves of books and framed paintings adorn the walls, creating a serene atmosphere.

The Reading Room is often a quieter space in The Harris.

There are paintings, tables, chairs and a scent bottle collection to look at.

Spacious art gallery with wooden floors, large windows, display cases, and framed paintings. Bright, elegant, and inviting atmosphere.

Visitors sometimes come here to work or read quietly.

If visitors would like help finding this room, they can ask a Visitor Services Assistant.

The Reference Library

A tall wooden bookshelf filled with colorful books stands in a bright room. Nearby, a white sculpture bust is placed on a pedestal next to a closed door.

The Reference Library contains historic books and maps.

There are tables and chairs where visitors can sit if they would like to.

The Second Floor

A spiral staircase with wooden railings in a well-lit museum. The walls feature Egyptian artwork, including an Eye of Horus, creating a historical ambiance.

There are gents toilets on the First Floor on the right as you use the left staircase. Visitor Services Assistants can show visitors where they are.

A marble bust atop a patterned pedestal stands at the center of a grand staircase in an art gallery. Sculptures and abstract wall art are displayed around.

Visitors can use the stairs or lift to go to the Second Floor.

Museum exhibit with colorful cityscape artwork, ceramics, and historical photos. The bright room has a high ceiling and intricate molding, conveying a sense of history and culture.

This floor has a balcony with artwork and museum displays around it.

The Second Floor is high up. If anyone does not like being high up, they can ask a Visitor Services Assistant to help them return downstairs.

Gallery One

Art gallery with vibrant red and white walls showcasing diverse paintings, portraits, and multimedia art. Glass cases display ceramic pieces. Warm atmosphere.

Gallery One contains changing exhibitions. This space may look different on each visit.

There may be lots of visitors in this space at busy times.

Special Collections Gallery

A museum exhibit displays vintage dresses in a large glass case. A colorful flag hangs above. The room is softly lit with wooden floors, creating a historical ambiance.

The Special Collections Gallery contains historic books and objects in display cases.

This room is quieter and slightly darker to help protect the collections.

There are also animations and sounds in this space.

If anyone does not like the lighting or noise, they can ask a Visitor Services Assistant to help them move to another room.

The Art Gallery

A spacious art gallery room with wooden floors and blue walls displays various artworks. Two white partitions showcase colorful framed paintings and photographs.

The Art Gallery contains paintings and artwork displayed on the walls.

There are seats where visitors can rest.

This room is also a wellbeing space, with books and activities available if visitors would like to use them.

A shelf with books on mindfulness and writing tips. A sign reads, "Take a moment: Stream of consciousness writing," suggesting reflection and creativity.

The room is slightly darker than some other areas. If anyone feels uncomfortable, they can go to a different space.

The Art Library

A dark exhibition space with two screens in the background.

Connected to the Art Gallery is The Art Library.

There are books to look at for reference, but these books can’t be taken out of this space. The lighting levels are low in this space, and a short film will be playing which visitors can watch if they would like to.

There are also seats where visitors can sit quietly.

Leaving The Harris

Smiling person in a dark jacket holding brochures, standing indoors. The jacket has a logo. The background features large columns and warm lighting.

When the visit is finished, visitors can leave through one of the exits.

The team at The Harris hopes everyone enjoys their visit.

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