Newly reopened Harris Museum reflects Preston’s evolving community

by Lily-Rose Winston · 12 January 2026

University of Lancashire students visit Preston’s newly re-opened Harris Museum to interview assistant director Timothy Joel

The newly reopened Harris Museum in the heart of the city is aiming to reflect Preston’s evolving community through art, storytelling and public involvement.

Timothy Joel, assistant director of the Harris, said the museum is “re-imagining the Harris” to make it a place for everyone. He said that adapting to public feedback whilst it was closed was central to the redesign.

The local voices helped the team shape how art is presented, highlighting the ongoing changes and attitudes in society.

Timothy Joel being interviewed by Heather Bancroft and University of Lancashire Journalism students (credit Emma-louise Whiteman)

Mr Joel said: “That story might not be prevalent now, but in the next 12-18 months those stories might come out, so it’s a changing, evolving picture.”

The museum is encouraging local artists to submit their work for display, offering opportunities to promote upcoming talent and showcase Preston’s diversity.

More than 32,000 visitors passed through the museum’s doors in the first few months after opening.

Mr Joel said the challenge now is keeping the experience fresh so people continue to return, and to change the future of art in our community.

University students Lily-Rose Winston and Mina Norton drawing Wallace and Gromit shortly after the reopening

(Credit Sandra Hunter)

He added that flexibility and changing displays are central to the operation of the Harris, catering to “what visitors need”.

“If you’ve seen it once, you don’t need to see it again. So we’re really working hard to make sure that we can keep it refreshed and new with different stories coming out so people come back time and time again.”

He wants the Harris Museum to remain a historical reflection of Preston, committed to celebrating the city’s creativity and community spirit, and said the museum belongs to the people.

He said: “The Harris isn’t me. Whilst I might have the key to open the door, its not my Harris. They’re yours, they’re the people on the streets they’re everybody’s.”