Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron

DISCOVER HOW IRON CHANGED THE WORLD

Delve into the story of iron, the material that transformed the modern world.

See the everyday objects that changed people’s lives as well as exquisite art castings.

Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron Whaling Pot

A revolution in iron

The natural location for an industrial revolution.

  • See how the Gorge's geology lent itself to industrial development
  • Learn how Abraham Darby I's pioneering blast furnace worked
  • Find out a discovery Darby made marked the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution
Deerhound Table in the Museum of Iron

Made in Coalbrookdale

Ironwork from Coalbrookdale was renowned for its quality and innovation.

  • See iron objects that revolutionised working people's everyday lives 
  • Marvel at exquisite art castings that decorated buildings across the globe
  • Learn about the lives of the enterprising Darby family
IRONBRIDGE FEB 2025 160 (1)

The story continues

Elsewhere in Coalbrookdale there is more to see. 

  • Visit the Old Furnace to stand in the blast furnace where Abraham Darby I made his discovery
  • Walk around the remains of industrial buildings
  • Enjoy the greenery of the Gorge

Parking information

Please note parking charges apply across all museum car parks. PASS PLUS and Friends can park for free during their daytime visit by validating their PASS PLUS at the front desk on arrival.

You can pay for parking with a debit/credit card at machines on-site or online within 48 hours of your visit.

What's coming up

The Iron Bridge In The Ironbridge Gorge Credit Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust 2

Experience Ironbridge your way

To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve created tailored itineraries to guide you around our sites in the Ironbridge Gorge.

Ironbridge itineraries

Clocktower At Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron (1)

Ready to book?

From single day tickets to our annual passes, choose a ticket which suits your needs.

For great value, save £5 when you purchase a PASS PLUS online.

Book tickets

LARGE SWP MUS OF IRON 1 (002)

A potted history of Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron

Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron is located in the Great Warehouse, a building that belonged to the Coalbrookdale Company. It was originally built in 1838 and used to store cast iron products before they were transported to the River Severn to be dispatched by barge. In 1864 a standard gauge railway line opened, and iron castings could travel by train, loaded onto wagons on the ground floor in the loading bay, which you can still visit today.

The building is now Grade II listed. As you visit, be sure to look at the use of cast iron in its structure and to admire the clocktower.

History of the museums

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