Galleries

The museum shares these histories in collections comprising important artefacts, images and written stories, all of which help bring the past to life…   

Bronze Age and beyond: Beginning with the Bronze Age, we take you on a journey from here up to the sixth century, when Bangor Monastery enjoyed prominence as one of the most important seats of learning. Indeed, it helped to spread Christianity across Europe, aided by Saints including Columbanus and Gall.  

Vikings: Discover how the arrival of the Vikings impacted the local area by exploring our Viking longhouse display and other Viking-related memorabilia.  

Plantation period: Travel onwards into the Plantation period and see how the arrival of Scottish settlers in Ards and North Down Borough shaped the locality. The Scots lived and worked on land acquired by James Hamilton and Hugh Montgomery from King James I and our collection has lots of fascinating insights into life at this time.

World Wars: Find out more about the stories of local men who fought in the First World War and Second World War, including that of Victoria Cross winner, Barry Bingham, who grew up at Bangor Castle.  

Imperial China: Our Sir John Newell Jordan Gallery charts the adventures of Sir John, who was born on Bangor’s outskirts and was the top diplomat to China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Witnessing the country’s transformation from an imperial dynasty to a republic, Sir John led a fascinating life and this collection offers a unique insight into China during this time. 

Cinematic experience: Complete your journey into the past in style by relaxing in one of our plush red velvet movie seats and enjoying a short film in our private cinema.