Armitt Museum, Gallery and Library, Ambleside, Cumbria

Details

Accessibility

Accessible disability toilet. Disability Parking. "Stair-free access to the first floor library and toilet facilities is via a staff-operated lift – our staff are happy to assist."

Brief description

"The Armitt is a unique combination of museum, library and gallery devoted to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the Lake District.

Mary Louisa Armitt founded the Library to foster an exchange of ideas in the local community. The Library opened in 1912. More than a century later, we continue to support the spirit of enquiry in all that we do.

Beatrix Potter was one of the Armitt’s early supporters, and our collection holds a number of her family’s books as well as her personal first editions of the ‘little’ books. Her major gift however came in the form of a large number of exquisite botanical watercolours. At the centre of our exhibition ‘Beatrix Potter, Image and Reality’, these works reveal fascinating and lesser-known aspects of her life story.

Today, the Armitt is proud to house one of the country’s most important collections of artwork by Kurt Schwitters, who influenced the development of twentieth-century art and lived in Ambleside during his final years. In early 2016, generous support from the V&A Purchase Fund, the National Art Collections Fund, the Friends of the Armitt, and local donors allowed us to acquire a further five wonderful Schwitters paintings from his Ambleside years. All works are now on permanent display."

Address

ARMITT MUSEUM & LIBRARY

Rydal Rd

Ambleside

LA22 9BL

Email

info@armitt.com

Phone

01539 431212

Website

http://armitt.com/armitt_website/

Directions

"From the south, leave the M6 at junction 36 and follow the signs for Kendal, Windermere and Ambleside. Travel into Ambleside, following the A591; pass the Bridge House, cross the mini-roundabout, then take the first right turn signposted University of Cumbria Ambleside Campus.

From the north, leave the M6 at Junction 40 and follow the A66 west towards Keswick. Just before Keswick, turn off on the A591 towards Ambleside and Windermere. Follow the A591 past Grasmere and into Ambleside, past Green Bank Road. Take the left turn sign-posted University of Cumbria Ambleside Campus just before the mini-roundabout.

Parking:

There is a South Lakeland District Council pay and display car park on Rydal Road, just across the road from the Armitt. There is also pay and display parking on the University of Cumbria Ambleside Campus."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

"Open throughout the year. Summer Opening Hours (April-October) Tuesday-Saturday 10.00am-5.00pm (last admissions 4.30pm).

Winter Opening Hours (November-March) Tuesday-Saturday 10.30am-4.00pm (last admissions 3.30pm). Admission charge.

Transport

"The nearest train station is Windermere. There are regular buses between Windermere and Ambleside, including the 555 and the 599. The 555 route between Keswick and Lancaster travels via Ambleside. Bus timetable information is available here. "

Amenities

Library

Museum

Disability Toilet

Toilets

Art Gallery

"The Museum has accessible toilet facilities and a gift shop specialising in second-hand books. We do not have a cafe, but The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is just across the road.

For families
We support the ‘Kids in Museums’ Manifesto and welcome families in the museum and library. Families get free entry on the third Saturday of every month. The museum has a space with activities and art materials where visitors can get creative and be inspired. For details of our events programme, see here "