Museum
Discover Our Heritage
Welcome to the Harleston Cornucopia Museum, where the rich history of Harleston and the magnificent Corn Xchange building comes to life through carefully curated exhibits and fascinating artifacts.
Our museum tells the story of Harleston's development from a small market town to a thriving community, with a special focus on the role of the Corn Xchange in local commerce and social life since its construction in 1849.
Through photographs, documents, and objects from daily life, we invite you to step back in time and experience the evolution of this historic building and the community it has served for generations.
Our Exhibits
The Corn Xchange Through Time
Explore the architectural evolution and changing uses of our magnificent Victorian building from its construction in 1849 to the present day.
- Original architectural plans and drawings
- Historic photographs of the building
- Timeline of renovations and adaptations
- Interactive before-and-after displays
Market Town Heritage
Discover Harleston's rich history as a thriving market town and the central role the Corn Xchange played in local commerce and trade.
- Market day artifacts and tools
- Historic trade ledgers and receipts
- Oral histories from local merchants
- Recreation of a Victorian market stall
Community Gatherings
Learn about the social history of the Corn Xchange as a venue for dances, meetings, celebrations, and community events throughout the decades.
- Event posters and programs
- Photographs of notable gatherings
- Personal mementos and stories
- Audio recordings of community memories
Everyday Life in Harleston
Step back in time and experience daily life in Harleston through the decades with our collection of household items, clothing, and personal artifacts.
- Period room recreations
- Vintage clothing and accessories
- Household tools and appliances
- Local crafts and industries
Special Collections
The Harleston Photographic Archive
Our extensive collection of historical photographs documents the changing face of Harleston from the 1860s to the present day. The archive includes rare glass plate negatives, studio portraits, and street scenes that capture the town's evolution.
View Gallery
Agricultural Heritage
Explore the farming traditions that shaped the local economy through our collection of agricultural tools, equipment, and documents. From grain trading records to vintage farming implements, this collection highlights the rural foundations of our community.
View Gallery
Local Crafts & Industries
Discover the skilled craftsmanship and industrial heritage of Harleston through artifacts, tools, and products from local businesses and workshops. This collection celebrates the town's tradition of quality workmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.
View GalleryVisitor Information
Opening Hours
- Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Bank Holidays 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Admission
- Adults £5.00
- Seniors (65+) £4.00
- Students £3.00
- Children (under 12) Free
Annual passes available
Guided Tours
Enhance your visit with a guided tour led by our knowledgeable volunteers.
- Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 AM
- Saturday 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are included with admission.
Group tours available by appointment
Upcoming Events
Victorian Crafts Workshop
Learn traditional Victorian crafting techniques with our expert demonstrators. Suitable for all ages.
Curator's Talk: Hidden Treasures
Join our curator for a fascinating look at rarely-seen artifacts from our collection storage.
Family History Day
Bring your family artifacts and photographs for identification and advice from our expert historians.
Support Our Museum
Help us preserve and share Harleston's rich heritage for future generations. There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering to donations and artifact loans.