With 105,177 visitors in its first eight weeks, the reopening exhibition of the Harris Museum, Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum, attracted record-breaking audiences.
The exhibition, which reopened the historic institution in September with a visit from Nick Park, the inventor of the duo, averaged 14,500 visitors per week during its initial month, more than double pre-closure attendance and indicating a robust revival in local museum attendance.
The popularity of Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum demonstrated the cultural and economic influence of well-known exhibitions outside of the capital, and by the end of 2025, The Harris had received 154,497 visitors.
Indicating continued interest throughout the exhibition’s run, attendance was especially high during the first month and again in the last week. Visitors from all over the world flocked to The Flag Market during the week between Christmas and New Year’s to catch a glimpse of the display before it closed. In order to control the amount of visitors and their expectations, a daily cutoff time of 1pm was implemented, and this effectively kept the lines in place.
Feedback from visitors has been largely favorable, with many complimenting the exhibition and The Harris’s broader reopening.
“The Wallace and Gromit exhibit is the stuff of dreams,” one visitor remarked. This show is a treasure if you go directly to the top floor. 10 out of 10.
Another commented: “The Harris has done an excellent job with the renovation and is a great asset to Preston.” It was also pleasant to see how busy the area was. The Wallace and Gromit exhibition is definitely worth a visit, and my kids really enjoyed it.
Another person added: “It was fantastic to see the Wallace & Gromit props from the real movies. I was in awe of the craftsmanship and sheer charm of these items—they are truly great! A wonderful morning out.
Following extensive renovations, Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum has been instrumental in reopening The Harris to the public, drawing both new and returning tourists to the city.
With the closure of the Wallace & Gromit show, Harris is currently planning its 2026 exhibition schedule. Highlights include Horrockses Fashions: Everyday Glamour & the Art of British Ready-to-Wear, The Harris Open 2026, and The World of Martin Brown: Horrible Histories and Other Dazzling Drawings. These events build on the success of the museum’s reopening and solidify its status as a premier cultural destination for Preston and the surrounding area.
Preston City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and the Arts, Councillor Anna Hindle, stated: “The response to The Harris’ debut exhibition has truly delighted us and astonished us. We hope that the level of participation, particularly in the first month and the last week, will continue into the New Year.
“As we welcomed guests back to The Harris, we would like to thank everyone for their patience, excitement, and ongoing support.”
