Home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance, we celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.

Dedicated to igniting our visitors’ curiosity about the people, places and engineering marvels behind the railways, we put our passion for amazing stories into everything we do.

We’ve got big plans for the future—find out more about our Masterplan and the museum’s role in the York Central development.

Who we are

Friends of the National Railway Museum

The Friends play a vital role in supporting our work, contributing significant amounts to large projects such as restorations and supporting other activities on a regular basis.

Find out how you can contribute or become a member at the
Friends of the National Railway Museum website.
 

Our history in pictures

York engine shed, about 1950.

Locomotives around the turntable in York motive power depot, about 1950. This engine shed is now our Great Hall. 

Turntable in the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum, 1973

Visitors to the new museum get up close to the locomotives around the turntable.

Leeman Road entrance to National Railway Museum, 1975

The Leeman Road entrance to the museum in 1975.

HST cab on the turntable, 1987

The HST cab takes pride of place on the turntable as part of the Blue Peter 'Railways of the Future' exhibition, 1987.

City entrance to National Railway Museum, 2005

The entrance to the museum in 2005.

An actor dressed as Robert Stephenson holds a cake and stands next to a replica Rocket locomotive

Celebrating the 180th anniversary of the Rainhill Trials and the victory of Stephenson's Rocket, 2009.

Prince Charles, curator Anthony Coulls and Head of Collections Helen Ashby at the reopening of Station Hall, 2013

Prince Charles, Curator Anthony Coulls and Head of Collections Helen Ashby at the reopening of Station Hall after refurbishment, 2013.

In this section

Part of the Science Museum Group

Science Museum National Science and Media Museum Science and Industry Museum National Railway Museum Locomotion