A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

A visit to the National Justice Museum tends to stay with people long after they’ve left. Over five floors, our building houses a Victorian courtroom, Georgian gaol, and cells that date back hundreds of years.

Through real spaces, real objects and real stories, we explore the impact justice and the law has on you, your community and society.

We also give you a truly engaging experience.

Browse remarkable collections, and examine fascinating objects that bring justice and the law to life in extraordinary ways – including our dressed-for-the-part characters who are only too happy to share a host of illuminating stories.

Our Purpose, Vision, and Aims

DAILY PERFORMANCES

Our mock trials are inspired by the theme of our current exhibition. Join our team of costumed characters, and even take on one of the roles in court!

Learn about the different roles in a courtroom, and how different crimes would have been sentenced. Will you find the defendant guilty or not guilty?

Trial performances are included in general admission tickets to the Museum. Our reception team will let you know the times of that day's performances when you arrive.

Head to the Exercise Yard to see one of Georgian England's favourite forms of entertainment - a public execution. Based on real stories, learn about the history of execution in Nottingham from the executioner themselves.

Please note, this performance takes place on a gallows with a noose. The noose is not used at any point during this performance.

These performances are included in general admission tickets to the Museum. Our reception team will let you know the times of that day's performances when you arrive.

It’s an experience unlike any other, and one we’re confident you’ll never forget

Enter the courtroom, and take in the wood-panelled, designed-to-intimidate atmosphere of a venue that recently was still a working place of justice, meting out fines, prison sentences, and worse.

Descend to historic County Gaol spaces, and take your place in our cells and dungeons, imagining life behind bars in these dark, dank spaces dating back to early Saxon settlements.

It’s an experience unlike any other, and one we’re confident you’ll never forget.

FREE EXHIBITIONS

On our first floor, you'll find free exhibition spaces that don't need a Museum admission ticket to enter.

In our Crime Gallery, you’ll find free family activities and exhibitions exploring a range of topics relating to crime. See original artefacts from the Great Train Robbery, the original Bow Street Dock, and much more.

Further inside the Crime Gallery, you'll find our exhibition exploring the work of pathologist Sir Bernard Spilsbury. Known to many as the Father of Modern Forensic Science, he’s widely credited for making forensic science credible in the fight against crime.

Also on the first floor is our free temporary exhibition space. Unlike the Crime Gallery, this gallery changes periodically and is inspired by our vast collection of objects relating to crime and punishment.

Discover our free exhibitions
The Museum Trio

PARTNERS IN ADVENTURE

As a partner of the City of Caves, together we offer adventures in history that inform, educate and entertain. Discover more about the amazing experience you can enjoy at the City of Caves, or book tickets at a discount when you book tickets for both attractions.

Explore City of Caves

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

HIRE AS A VENUE