Inspiring tales of justice
Hear true stories brought to extraordinary life
Meet amazing, costumed characters from Nottingham's history in our Grade II* listed Shire Hall. Explore the Victorian Courtroom, Georgian gaol, and ancient cells - all spread over five fascinating floors. Be inspired by exhibitions on themes of social justice, and discover our captivating collection. Experience justice and the law like never before.
WHAT'S ON
Adventures in history
Our thriving events programme explores the museum’s rich history and its unique collections in entertaining, intriguing and thought-provoking ways.

Friday 5th August, 10am-12pm
Storytelling Badge Making Workshop

Friday 12th August, 10am-12pm
Soft Sculpture Making Workshop

Friday 19th August, 10am-12pm
DIY Cardboard Speakers Workshop

Friday 26th August, 10am-12pm
Linoprint Protest Workshop

Wednesday 22nd June, 1-3pm and Saturday 2nd July 1-3pm
LGBTQ+ Global Wordsmiths Research

Friday 8th July, 10am-12pm and Friday 29th July, 1:30pm-3pm (online)
Soft sculpture-making workshop

Friday 15th July, 10am-12pm
Copper foil drawings and experimental marks workshop

Friday 22nd July, 10am-12pm
Re-imagine the world: a creative story map with Khaya Job

Friday 29th July, 10am-12pm
Handmade Pin Hole Camera

Submissions open now, until Sunday 31 July
'Freedom' Open Call Photography Exhibition

Until July
Written in Brick

30th July, 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th August 2022
Junior Detectives

Open until October 2022
Young People and Protest

25, 26 Nov, 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16 & 17 Dec
We Wish You a Merry Murder

Daily 10am - 5.00pm
Father of forensics

Daily 10am - 5.00pm
Crime gallery

PASSED
Power

Anyday
Arts award

WITNESS
Our extraordinary art installation Witness adds a different dimension to your visit.
Acclaimed British artist Susie MacMurray created this dramatic work to highlight the stories of those who were imprisoned, lived and sometimes died within our historic building.
Six gigantic pillars constructed from thick marine rope line up to bear witness in front of the gallows in our 18th century prison yard.
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Excellent place! So much to see, read and hear and fantastic actors staying true to their characters. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
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A fascinating day out and well worth the admission fee! Well done, good value for money
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Are you ready to join us?
Experience the harsh realities of life on the wrong side of the law. At the National Justice Museum we’re ready to share an adventure you’ll never forget. The question is, are you ready to join us?

LEARNING
Inspiring minds
Share a unique learning experience
Sparking imaginations and inspiring minds, our unique curriculum-linked learning programmes for children and young people offer true-to-life workshops in real courtroom settings. Through immersive and engaging digital sessions, we illuminate justice, the law and its practise in a way learners will never forget. Plan a visit today.

Latest exhibitions
Open now
Young People and Protest
This free exhibition is a celebration of the power, passion, and ability that young people have shown to get their voices heard, to fight against injustice and to enact change. This snapshot of historical and contemporary youth activism from around the world asks: ‘how will you use your voice for social change’?
NEWS
Inspiring thinking
Read about our latest exhibitions, activities and initiatives about justice and the law.

Rolls Building Art and Education Trust & The Technology and Construction Court Art Competition
2023 is the 150th anniversary of The Technology and Construction Court (TCC), a major specialist Court that deals with disputes about building, engineering and all kinds of technology including software. The TCC is based in the Rolls Building, a spacious and modern courthouse in London's legal heartland.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, there will be a competition for young artists. Entries can be 2D artworks in any medium (except exclusively photography) and relate to the themes of Construction or Technology.
Read more
National Justice Museum opens submissions for photography exhibition with a £1,000 prize at stake
The call out is open to photographers from around the UK, from professionals to amateurs
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National Justice Museum to receive £362,900 in fund which helps safeguard nation's cultural heritage
The National Justice Museum in Nottingham has been awarded a grant of £362,900 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, delivered by Arts Council England.
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The National Justice Museum publishes Letters of Constraint
The newly released book is an intimate collection of letters and diary entries from lockdown
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National Justice Museum launches Open Court podcast
Retired Judge and former Barrister John Burgess leads a series of interviews taking you behind the scenes of the Justice system
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National Justice Museum wins Best Museums Change Lives Project at Museums Change Lives Awards 2021
The National Justice Museum has been awarded the Best Museums Change Lives Project at this year’s Museums Change Lives awards for our Make it Yours: Workshops in an Envelope project.
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Welcome back S.H.E.D!
For two weeks in August 2021 summer, the National Justice Museum hosted a variety of exciting events, film screenings, talks and activities as part of S.H.E.D - the Social Higher Education Depot.
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‘Freed Soul’ letters
For Women’s History Month 2021, we’re sharing a collection of Charlotte Bryant letters from our archives.
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Justice week 2021
An interview with His Honour Judge John Burgess about the impact of COVID-19 on legal proceedings in Nottingham.
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Ghost stories with Claire
We catch up with our former ghost tour extraordinaire Claire Finn to see whether she has any spooky stories to tell.
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Autism and me
Michael, one of our educational facilitators at the National Justice Museum tells up about the positives of being Autistic.
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Staying proud
With so many changes within legislation and human rights, the question has emerged in recent years; why is Pride still relevant?
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Ultimate travel list
We’re delighted that the National Justice Museum has been chosen as one of the 500 top experiences and hidden gems in Great Britain.
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The ‘Bloody Code’?
The Bloody Code imposed the death penalty for over 200 offences – many of which were surprisingly trivial.
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Sandford award
Nottingham’s National Justice Museum has received a prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education.
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