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HomeWhat’s OnEchoes from the Past: Scarborough’s Lost Aquarium

Echoes from the Past: Scarborough’s Lost Aquarium

20 September 2025—30 April 2026Free with an Annual Pass (£5 / Free under 18s and registered carers)

Scarborough Art Gallery

Discover the story of Scarborough’s spectacular but forgotten Aquarium and People’s Palace, later Gala Land, in this immersive exhibition at Scarborough Art Gallery.

Opened in 1877, the Aquarium was a pioneering attraction, blending exotic architecture with entertainment. From musical acts to alligator pools and a legendary swim by Captain Matthew Webb, it was a place of wonder. Though demolished in 1968, its legacy lives on.

Using motion-tracked headsets and archival images, Echoes from the Past recreates the sounds and stories of the original site.

Created by Dr Kevin Corstorphine and Dr Matt Barnard, and supported by the Ferens Educational Trust.

 

Visiting Information

Opening Times

Monday – Closed 
Tuesday – 10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday – 10am – 4:30pm
Thursday – 10am – 5pm
Friday – 10am – 5pm
Saturday – 10am – 5pm
Sunday – Closed

(Last entry 30 minutes before closing)

Well behaved dogs welcome 🐾

Admission Prices

£5 Annual Pass – admission to both Scarborough Art Gallery and the Rotunda Museum

Free – Under 18s and registered carers.

Access information

There is step free access to and around the ground floor of the gallery.

This exhibition is located in Gallery D on the first floor of the gallery. There are 23 steps to this floor and at the moment we do not have a lift to access this level.

Toilets are located on the first floor and are accessed via stairs. There is no lift to the first floor. There is an accessible toilet next door, a short distance away, at Woodend Gallery and Studios.

If you require any further access requirements, or information ahead of your visit please call the Art Gallery on 01723 374753 or email scarboroughartgallery@northyorks.gov.uk