Find artful gifts for friends and family at these fabulous museum shops
Museum shops are the perfect place to find thoughtful and beautiful gifts for the people you love – support independent makers, discover local artists and get great discounts with a National Art Pass.
Who doesn’t love a museum gift shop? From pottery and literature to jewellery and homeware, you can’t beat a museum for a gorgeous gift.
Why not pick up something for someone special in your life that they’ll treasure forever? Whether you’re after a souvenir to remind them of a visit, a reproduction of a well-known work of art or an unusual trinket made by an independent artist, there’s so much on offer to give someone the perfect gift.
Have a look below at some of the loveliest museum shops around – and don’t forget, you’ll get discounts at all of these fantastic places with a National Art Pass.
A working factory, hand-crafted potting has been underway at Middleport for over 150 years, home to the renowned Burleigh pottery. Their gorgeous Burleigh Factory Shop is full to the brim of ceramic trinkets, from charming tea sets and stylish dinnerware to signature blue and white Burleigh designs. If you need a pressie for a ceramics enthusiast, or someone short on bowls and plates, Middleport’s your place.
Don’t be fooled by its cool concrete exterior, the shop at Hepworth Wakefield is packed full of colourful and creative gifts. Cards, prints, artbooks and even gifts inspired by Yorkshire are on offer here, plus you’ll be able to pick up prints by the artists featured in their fantastic exhibitions.
Dedicated to the Arts and Crafts designer famed for his stunning patterned wallpapers, textiles and carpets, the William Morris Gallery has to be top of your list if you’re looking for a homeware gift. From tea towels and cushions to terracotta tiles, the majority of stock here shows off Morris’ signature designs, including Strawberry Thief.
A unique shop for a unique museum – the People’s History Museum in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, and its shop is inspired by its political collection. If you’re after a suffragette necklace, a May Day tea towel or pair of Rainbow Pride socks, then you’ve come to the right place.
Birmingham’s dazzling contemporary gallery Ikon is home to an excellent shop, bursting with books, affordable art, sweet treats, toiletries, games and more. A number of their stocked items are beautifully designed by Arthouse Unlimited, a charity presenting the talents of adults living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs.
Displaying a collection of beautifully hand-made items, MOSTYN’s shop stocks a mix of items made by local, national and international applied artists and makers – some established, some whose practices are just emerging. Keep your eye out for limited-edition prints on offer here, plus a hoard of art supplies, greetings cards and quirky gifts.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.