Housed in the former Peak Hydropathic Hotel, the museum was founded in 1891. It holds regionally important collections of geology and archaeology, including archives and fossil records. The fine art collection, dominated by 19th- and 20th-century watercolours, oils and prints, includes works by Sir Frank Brangwyn, Marc Chagall and Edgar Chahine. There are three galleries hosting a programme of exhibitions, mostly of work by contemporary artists.