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Explore women's history at these museums and historic places this Women's History Month

Exploring the Florence Nightingale Museum with a National Art Pass + Kids membership

From a leading suffragette's home to a museum dedicated to women's history, here are some of the best places to celebrate Women's History Month.

International Women's Day is an annual celebration of women and a day of global collective activism on 8 March. This year's theme is Accelerate Action, highlighting the current rate of progress to reach full gender equality and the need to take decisive steps quickly.

We've rounded up a selection of museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK that are doing brilliant work to preserve women's history and celebrate their contributions to culture.

From the former home of a leading suffragette in Manchester to the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women's lives, history and achievements, there are lots of brilliant venues where you can celebrate International Women's Day – and Women's History Month, which runs through March.

Looking for exhibition inspiration to learn about women's history and discover women artists? Dive into our round-up of the best exhibitions to see during Women's History Month.

And don't forget to pack your National Art Pass for great offers at every venue.

Celebrate International Women's Day at these museums with an Art Pass

01
Brontë Parsonage Museum

Brontë Parsonage Museum

Explore the former home of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, the iconic sisters who wrote some of the most groundbreaking novels in literary history, including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Filled with significant artefacts once owned by the Brontës, from handwritten manuscripts to personal items such as Charlotte's wedding bonnet, visitors will get a real sense of the time they spent in this house from 1820 to 1861.

02
Installation view of The Goddess, The Deity & The Cyborg at The Women's Art Collection, 2024.

The Women's Art Collection

Europe's largest collection of art by women, The Women's Art Collection in Cambridge includes 600 works by major artists, including Barbara Hepworth, Lubaina Himid and Tracey Emin. Housed in an iconic Brutalist building, the permanent collection is open daily to the public for free. And throughout the year, they stage two exhibitions and an inspiring programme of talks, tours, workshops, screenings and performances.

03
Inside the Pankhurst Centre, Manchester

The Pankhurst Centre

The former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family, the Pankhurst Centre tells their extraordinary story and traces the birth of the suffragette campaign that paved the way for women's right to vote. Visit the parlour where the first ever suffragette meeting was held in 1903 and explore the permanent exhibition to learn about this radical family. The centre is now run entirely by women and also houses the headquarters of Manchester Women's Aid.

Please note, the Pankhurst Centre is only open to visitors on Thursdays and Sundays.

04
Inside the library at Chawton House

Chawton House

Immerse yourself in the work of women writers at Chawton House, which takes care of a unique collection of books by leading literary figures including Mary Shelley and Jane Austen, whose brother owned the house – which she called the 'Great House'. Discover fascinating exhibitions, wander through the relaxing gardens, and find inspiration in the lives and works of the women who make up the collection. And while you're in the area: Jane Austen's House is only a 10 minute walk away and you'll get 50% off entry with an Art Pass.

05
Glasgow Women’s Library

Glasgow Women's Library

No ordinary library – Glasgow Women's library is the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women's lives, history and achievements. They host an innovative programme of events, run an active lending library and take care of important archives and a museum collection that's a treasure trove of artefacts, from historical books to suffragette memorabilia. They also run a range of services and programmes to help thousands of women across Scotland improve their lives, supporting people on issues such as poverty, health and sexuality.

06
Exploring the Florence Nightingale Museum

Florence Nightingale Museum

Step into the world of the founder of modern nursing at the Florence Nightingale Museum. Discover the story of her life, her impact on the profession and her campaigns for better healthcare for all. See the objects she cherished and meet her pet owl who kept her company.

07
Playing Match Girls’ Strike game at People’s History Museum

People's History Museum

The People's History Museum preserves and celebrates the stories of people who have come together and fought for change to build a fairer world. Learn about the radical women who contributed to creating a better Britain, from improving women's working conditions to enabling their right to vote. With inspiring displays and interactive trails around the museum, including a little suffragettes trail for kids, the People's History Museum is a great place for everyone to learn about women's history in a fun and engaging way.

08
The Women’s Library at Compton Verney

Compton Verney

Created around 1860, Compton Verney's Women's Library was built by Georgiana Verney, who was a passionate advocate for women's literacy, education and suffrage. Every year, they invite a guest curator to fill the bookshelves with books they've found inspirational or enjoyable.

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

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