Rotunda Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
The Rotunda Museum on the Yorkshire coast was first built to display the ideas of William Smith, the father of English Geology.
Nestled on the Scarborough coast, the Rotunda Museum is a captivating blend of history, geology, and coastal heritage. The iconic circular building also offers amazing sea views.
Explore local history
The museum boasts a rich collection that delves into the region’s geological history, from awe-inspiring fossils to intricate displays of coastal erosion. The museum also houses artefacts from the Star Carr archaeological site, providing a glimpse into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors. Look out for dinosaurs too!
Discover William Smith’s legacy
Opened in 1829, the Rotunda Museum is one of the world’s first purpose-built museums and was built to a design suggested by Scarborough resident William Smith, often referred to as the 'Father of English Geology’. On display is Smith’s masterwork, the first geological map of England, Wales and parts of Scotland, which is still influential today. The museum the only building in the world to commemorate his invention of ‘fossil-ordered stratigraphy’.
More than just geology
Beyond the permanent exhibits, the Rotunda Museum often hosts temporary displays, workshops and events, as well as providing educational resources and activities for families, from fossil handling to drawing workshops.
Visitor information
Address
Vernon Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2PS
01723 353665
Opening times
Tue – Sat, 11am – 4pm
Open Bank Holiday Mondays
