Sheffield Museums reveal packed programme of exhibitions and events for September 2025

Sheffield Museums has unveiled an exciting line-up of exhibitions, events and family activities across its six museum sites this September. With free entry to all venues and something for every interest — from art and science to history, storytelling, and hands-on fun — there’s never been a better time to explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

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Highlights from the exhibitions

Colour

Until 14 September
Millennium Gallery

This dazzling exhibition invites visitors into a world of colour, exploring how it's perceived, created and used across cultures, nature and time. Expect work by Hokusai, Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, textiles, insects, and even a carnival costume, alongside interactive displays and a brand-new mural by artist Grace Visions.

Liliane Tomasko: The Psyche of the Portrait

Until 12 October
Millennium Gallery

New York-based artist Liliane Tomasko presents abstract responses to classic portraits in Sheffield’s collection. Her work reflects on identity, psychology, and the subconscious in striking, large-scale canvases.

Pete McKee: The Boy with a Leg Named Brian

Until 2 November
Weston Park Museum

Beloved Sheffield artist Pete McKee returns with a deeply personal and playful exhibition charting his 1970s childhood through artwork, memorabilia, and interactive elements like a cartoon zone and vintage Space Invaders arcade game.

Penny McCarthy: How to Look Through Time

Until 20 December
Graves Gallery

Artist Penny McCarthy responds to a 16th-century Titian print, exploring the relationship between time, memory, and how we perceive art. Her new drawings, film and glass works offer a contemporary dialogue with the past.

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Events and talks

Colour Revolution: Victorian Art, Fashion & Design

Tuesday 2 September, 6–7pm
Millennium Gallery / Online
Curator Matthew Winterbottom explores the Ashmolean’s acclaimed exhibition on how Victorians embraced colour in surprising and bold ways.

Life Drawing for Beginners

Saturday 6 September, 10.30am–12.30pm
Millennium Gallery
Try your hand at figure drawing with guidance from a tutor and a live model in this welcoming beginner-friendly session.

Meet the Artist: Liliane Tomasko in Conversation

Thursday 11 September, 1–1.45pm
Millennium Gallery
Hear directly from Liliane Tomasko about her latest exhibition in discussion with Professor Omar Kholeif.

Evening Talk: Behind the Scenes at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Wednesday 17 September, 6–7pm
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
Discover new insights into this historic water-powered site from project lead Pamela Cunningham.

Lunchtime Talk: Pigment & Ruskin’s Teaching Materials

Thursday 18 September, 1–2pm
Millennium Gallery / Online
Researchers discuss their scientific study of John Ruskin’s paint palette and what it reveals about 19th-century art and teaching.

Connecting with Collections: Philosophy in the Museum

Saturday 20 September, 10.30am–12.30pm
Kelham Island Museum
Join an informal group discussion exploring philosophical questions through Sheffield’s collections.

Workshop: Pigment & Paint Making

Saturday 27 September, 10.30am–4pm
Millennium Gallery
Artist Lucy Mayes leads this immersive workshop on historical pigments, inspired by Ruskin’s techniques and philosophies.

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Family-friendly fun

WPM150 Toddler Takeover

Tuesday 2 September, 10am–3pm
Weston Park Museum
Little ones take charge of the museum with playful tasks and activities in this adorable takeover day.

Let’s Celebrate! Weston Park Museum’s 150th Birthday

Saturday 6 September, 10.30am–4pm
Weston Park Museum
Face painting, party games, crafts and a kids disco will mark the museum’s milestone anniversary.

Baby Friendly Art Club

Tuesdays 16, 23, and 30 September, 11am–12.30pm
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
A creative session for parents or carers with babies under 12 months, with sensory-friendly activities and artmaking.

Fridays Under 5s – Get Stuck In!

Every Friday during term time, 10am–12.30pm
Weston Park Museum
Free weekly creative play for the museum’s youngest visitors.

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Special experiences

Pop-up Exhibition: Not Just Us

Sunday 14 September, 11am–4pm
Millennium Gallery
A one-day immersive art experience exploring colour in the natural world through digital art by Graham Fudger.

LGBTQ+ Over 50s Group

Thursday 11 September, 1–3pm
Weston Park Museum
A drop-in community space led by and for LGBTQ+ people over 50, offering connection and support.

The Story of Two Mummified People

Tuesday 23 September, 2–2.45pm
Weston Park Museum
Explore the origins of two mummified remains held in the museum’s collection and their connection to local antiquarian Thomas Bateman.

Lunchtime Talk: Modern Mester – Made in Sheffield

Wednesday 24 September, 1–1.45pm
Kelham Island Museum
Meet Sheffield’s modern knife makers and discover how the city’s heritage of craftsmanship continues today.

Workshop: Kelham Makes – Paper Cut Birds

Thursday 25 September, 6–8.30pm
Kelham Island Museum
Create your own paper-cut bird art with guidance from artist Bethan Maddocks in this creative hands-on session.

Sharing the View: Philosophy in the Gallery

Friday 26 September, 1.30–3pm
Graves Gallery
A relaxed, thoughtful discussion about artworks in the gallery, led using the Philosophy for Communities approach.

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Venue information

Sheffield Museums includes six free-to-enter venues across the city:

• Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
• Graves Gallery
• Kelham Island Museum
• Millennium Gallery
• Shepherd Wheel
• Weston Park Museum

Find full opening times, event booking, and exhibition details at:
www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk

Contact:
info@sheffieldmuseums.org.uk
0114 278 2600 / 0114 272 2106

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Whether you’re an art lover, a curious historian, or a family looking for fun, September at Sheffield Museums is packed with opportunities to discover, explore and get inspired.