The Curiosity Shop

Tees Valley Museums

‘The Curiosity Shop’ was a travelling museum installed in empty High Street and retail centre shops. Modelled on the ‘cabinets of curiosity’ that predated early museums, the aim of the shop was to re-engage people with their heritage and the fascinating objects and stories to be found in their local museum.  

Over eighteen months ‘The Curiosity Shop’ was installed in the town centres of Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton, Darlington and Hartlepool, attracting over 150,000 visitors and increasing local museum visits by 25%.