A Year of Celebrations!
2025 is a landmark year for the National Railway Museum.
It marks the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
The World's Railway Museum
2025 also marks 50 years since the National Railway Museum first opened its doors to the public!
The museum launched in 1975 as the first national museum outside London, officially opening on the anniversary weekend of the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s debut in 1825.
The Stockton and Darlington Railway (Circa. 1825) by John DobbinNational Railway Museum
Now is the perfect time to explore our world-class collections, as both railways and the museum celebrate these remarkable anniversaries.
Collections Like No Other...
The story of the railways began in Britain, spreading across the world from their roots in the industrial northeast of England.
Our collections span from the earliest days of the railways in the 1800s to the present day, and beyond.
Commemorative Mug, Rainhill Trials (1829) by Unidentified makerNational Railway Museum
They range from the technical and unique to the familiar and ordinary,
sometimes beautiful,
Horse-Drawn Fire Engine (1875-1885) by Merryweather and Sons Ltd.National Railway Museum
sometimes dangerous,
Model Egyptian Steam Locomotive (1862) by Jeffrey BeyNational Railway Museum
always inspiring.
External View of Locomotion, Shildon (2018) by LocomotionNational Railway Museum
Our stories span both the original museum at York and our sister site Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham, UK.
We'll Make a Railway Fan of You!
Our collections bring the world of early railways to life, full of excitement, innovation, risk, and transformation.
The railways shaped every aspect of life and we are sure there's a story here that will captivate you!
Great Hall, Exterior, National Railway Museum, York (1993) by National Railway MuseumNational Railway Museum
What Next?
Like the railway itself, the National Railway Museum is always evolving.
Over the next decade, we’ll be unveiling new buildings and exhibitions dedicated to the future of the railways.
We remain committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the powerful stories of railways in Britain and around the world.
You are all set!
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