For your safety and security, we’ve taken the difficult decision to close the West Wing of the Rotunda due to water leaks following recent heavy rainfall. Meg’s moving out – because she doesn’t like getting wet! – and she’ll be on display in another area.
We’re working with our partners to fix any damage and re-open the spaces as soon as possible. Thanks for your understanding.
A Warm Welcome to the Rotunda – the Museum of Coastal Heritage and Geology, located right on the wonderful Yorkshire coast. We’ve got a great view of the sea!
Opened in 1829, the Rotunda Museum is one of the world’s first purpose-built museums and was built to a design suggested by William Smith. The interior, with its fascinating Georgian gallery, features a frieze showing the geology of the local coastline designed by Smith’s nephew, John Phillips. The original cases tell the history of the museum and they explore the stories of the nineteenth century Scarborough Philosophical Society which brought the collections together.
When you visit you can also learn about dinosaur footprints, fossils, the remarkable 11,000-year-old artefacts from our Star Carr Collection, as well as coming face to face with the wonderful creatures which once called Yorkshire home in the Ancient Seas Gallery.
