Thousands flock to The Harris for opening weekend

The Harris’ spectacular reopening weekend saw thousands of visitors flocking to experience the blockbuster 'Wallace and Gromit in A Case at the Museum' exhibition and explore the £19m transformed Preston cultural landmark.

The reopening on Sunday, 28 September 2025, marked a triumphant homecoming for Oscar-winning animation legend Nick Park, whose beloved characters take centre stage in the very place that originally inspired his childhood passion for storytelling and filmmaking.

Opening weekend visitor numbers exceeded all expectations, with families travelling from across the UK to experience the immersive Wallace and Gromit exhibition and explore the completely reimagined Grade I-listed building. Advance ticket bookings for October weekends sold out within hours of going live on 1 September.

Coun Anna Hindle, cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council said: "The response has been absolutely overwhelming."

"Seeing families discovering Wallace's recreated living room – based on Nick Park's grandmother's Preston home – and children's faces lighting up as they explore the animation techniques behind their favourite characters, this is exactly what we envisioned when we embarked on this transformation."

Local businesses reported increased footfall throughout the opening weekend, with the Flag Market buzzing with activity as visitors explored Preston's cultural quarter.

The Harris's 45 staff members, supported by 250 dedicated volunteers, received widespread praise for their warm welcome and expert knowledge.

Nick Park's emotional return to his creative roots provided some of the weekend's most poignant moments, as the Preston-born animator reflected on The Harris’ formative influence on his career during exclusive media interviews.

Speaking at Friday's media preview, Nick said: "Walking through these galleries again, seeing families enjoying the exhibition where I once spent hours as a curious child reading about filmmaking and animation, it's incredibly moving.

"The Harris left a lasting impression on me and now I hope Wallace and Gromit can inspire the next generation of young creatives who visit here."

The reopening represents the culmination of Preston's most ambitious cultural investment, transforming The Harris into a dynamic 21st-century destination while preserving its historic significance.

The renovation has created 23 separate visitor spaces across 60,000 square feet, including new galleries, learning spaces, family facilities, café and shop. The building also features a new blended library throughout, supported by a £1.375M contribution from Lancashire County Council.

Matthew Salter, cabinet member for education and skills at Lancashire County Council, said: “The reopening of The Harris is a welcome enhancement of Lancashire’s cultural and educational landscape.

"With the Harris Library returning to its historic home, we’re proud to support a space that brings learning, creativity and heritage together in a beautiful setting. The building has long been a cornerstone of public life, and this work ensures it will continue to inspire future generations.”

Intricate restoration work has comprehensively repaired the historic structure, and introduced vital improvements to heating, lighting, and accessibility throughout the building – ensuring The Harris can welcome an expected more than 450,000 annual visitors.

'Wallace and Gromit in A Case at the Museum' has proved an instant hit with visitors of all ages. The immersive journey through original sketches, sets, and props, combined with interactive exhibits showcasing Aardman's unique stop-motion animation techniques, offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to almost 50 years of animation excellence.

The recreated Wallace living room, closely based on Park's grandmother's Preston home, has become the exhibition's most photographed feature, creating a tangible connection between the global animation phenomenon and its local roots.

The exhibition runs until Sunday, 4 January 2026, with The Harris now positioned as a must-visit cultural destination. The transformation made possible through funding from Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government's Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and many other generous partners, has created a lasting legacy for Preston's cultural future.

Coun Anna Hindle, added: "This weekend has demonstrated the power of combining world-class exhibitions with outstanding heritage preservation. The Harris is once again at the heart of Preston's cultural life, inspiring creativity and bringing joy to visitors of all ages."

Neal Charlton, director, Buttress Architects said: “Being part of The Harris' transformation has been incredibly rewarding. It’s more than a building — it’s a symbol of Preston’s cultural heritage and future.

"This project ensures that everyone can access and enjoy the museum, library, and gallery in new, inclusive ways, while honouring the legacy that makes The Harris so special.”

Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are proud to have supported the Harris Your Place project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

"We know that heritage can play a huge role furthering a sense of pride in local communities which in turn can boost the local economy, and this opening weekend has demonstrated that this project is a wonderful example of that.”

To book tickets visit or plan a visit -  www.theharris.org.uk.