The Harris dominates the eastern side of Market Square — a Grade I-listed Greek Revival temple of culture, finished in 1893 and recently restored after a major refurbishment that reopened it in 2024. Inside, three floors hold the city's fine and decorative arts collections, a Lancashire-focused local history museum, and the central public library reading room — one of the great Victorian library spaces in the north of England.
Highlights include the Pre-Raphaelite collection (a strong Lancashire connection: many of these were collected by local cotton merchants), the Spode pottery, and the changing temporary exhibitions on the ground floor. Entry is free. Allow two hours.