The Full Museum Project represents our ambition to create a permanent Crime and Punishment Museum in Derby - an immersive, story-led attraction rooted in the city’s real history. This will not be a traditional museum of static displays, but a dynamic experience designed to engage visitors through powerful local stories, interactive interpretation, and carefully designed environments that bring the past to life.

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At its core, the museum will explore crime, justice, and punishment through genuine cases from Derby and the surrounding area. Visitors will be able to step into reconstructed scenes, examine evidence, and experience the realities of historical justice systems in ways that are both thought-provoking and accessible. The aim is to create an experience that is immersive, emotive, and authentic, appealing to a wide audience while maintaining strong historical integrity.

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Alongside free general admission areas, the museum will also feature optional paid experiences such as escape rooms, guided experiences, and interactive trials, helping to ensure long-term sustainability. By combining education with engagement, the museum will contribute to Derby’s cultural offer, strengthen local identity, and create a distinctive destination that brings the city’s stories to life in a compelling and meaningful way.​

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You can download our document on our Proposed Visitor Experience here:

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Derby Crime and Punishment Museum - Visitor Experience

 

To take part in our Crime and Punishment Museum Public Interest Survey click here.

 

If you'd like to read some further history on Derby's crime and punishment history then click here.

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