Kelham Island Museum

Kelham Island Museum celebrates 300 years of Sheffield making history

Explore the story of making in the city, from master craftsmen to mass production. Experience life and work during the Industrial Revolution, follow the sights and sounds of progress through the Victorian era, celebrate the Women of Steel and see how industry forged the modern city.

You’ll hear the roar and feel the rumble of the mighty River Don Engine, the 425 ton 12,000hp visitor-favourite in steam twice a day Thursday-Sunday, and find out more about the industry that saw Sheffield become world-renowned for making and innovation.

During your visit you'll have a chance to:

See the pioneering Sheffield Simplex cars and more in the Transport Galleries
Step back in time as you stroll along the cobbles of Little Mesters Street
Explore the Hawley Tool Collection, chronicling centuries of skilled craftsmanship and precision manufacturing
See the Crossley Gas Engine and Die-Sinkers Workshop in action
Find out about life on the home front in Sheffield in the 1916 House

Then when it's time to recharge your batteries, there are plenty of treats to be had in the Island Café Bar – there's even a traditional pub on-site, The Millowners Arms.

Free Entry | Please Donate

Opening Times

Tue-Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 11am-4pm

Sheffield School Holidays & Bank Holidays

Mon-Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 11am-4pm

See the River Don Engine in steam

12pm & 2pm, Thu-Sun

The museum will be closed for events on

Wed 19 – Sat 22 Oct

Sat 5 Nov, Sat 12 Nov, Sat 26 Nov

Thu 1 Dec, Fri 2 Dec, Tue 6 Dec, Thu 22 Dec

Also closed 25 Dec – 2 Jan for the festive period

Victorian Christmas Market

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec, ticketed entry to the museum only

Kelham Island Museum

Alma Street

Sheffield

S3 8RY

River Don Engine

Hear the roar and feel the rumble of the most powerful working steam engine in Europe - an unmissable part of any visit to Kelham Island Museum! In steam Thu-Sun.

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Sheffield Simplex Cars

The Sheffield Simplex was hailed by The Times in 1913 as the ‘highest point to which motor design has yet attained’. Today, only three examples remain – you can see two of them at the museum.

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Die-Sinkers Workshop

See a detailed reconstruction of James Dixon and Sons’ die-sinking workshop, which was originally on Cornish Place in Sheffield.

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Little Mesters Street

Little Mesters were a network of craftspeople working out of small workshops or from their own homes. On the Street you can also find equipment used by the Little Mesters, tools made by Sheffield makers, as well as The Hawley Collection Saw Shop.

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Hawley Tool Collection

This world-renowned tool collection has been amassed since the mid-1950s by former tool retailer and champion of Sheffield’s industrial heritage, Ken Hawley. See highlights relating to Sheffield’s tool, cutlery manufacturing and silversmithing industry.

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1916 House

From the cobbled path of the Little Mesters Street, take a step back in time into the 1916 terraced house. Explore interactive and sensory displays which transport you over 100 years into the city’s past to consider what 'home' really means.

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