From 20 February 2023 - 19 February 2027 | Available during opening hours Show all dates and times Images: Reel Master Production Fresh from its recent return home to the Natural History Museum, Dippy the Diplodocus (DIP-low-DOCK-us) stomped into Coventry as our dino-residence at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum! Dippy the dinosaur is a life-size, plaster-of-paris replica of a Diplodocus carnegii skeleton. It became the first Diplodocus to go on display anywhere in the world when it was gifted to the Natural History Museum by Andrew Carnegie on 12 May 1905. It quickly became a star, capturing hearts and imaginations, and went on to complete a whirlwind tour of the UK in 2017. After a brief return home to London, Dippy headed to Coventry in 2023, and has now extended their visit until 2027! Diplodocus carnegii lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 155 – 145 million years ago and their skeletons have been found in North America. They were huge, plant-eating dinosaurs, with long whip-like tails. They grew to about 24-26 metres long and probably weighed up to around 15 tonnes. For comparison, a London double-decker bus is around 14 metres long and weighs 12 tonnes. Sign up to our newsletter or follow #DippyInCov on social media for updates. Dippy the diplodocus is on loan from the Natural History Museum, London

Tuesday 21 February 2023 - Sunday 21 February 2027 | Available during opening hours Show all dates and times Presented in collaboration with Warwickshire Museum, this free fossil display will take you back in time to the Jurassic era, a time when much of the region was underwater. A selection of fossils drawn from both the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Warwickshire Museum collections offer a fascinating insight into the strange sea creatures that swam through Coventry and Warwickshire between 200 and 145 million years ago. The display includes our star fossil - an ichthyosaur skull found in Harbury. Held in the Herbert's covered court by Dippy. In April 2024, Annabelle Elvis, aged 6, won our naming ichthuosaur naming competition. The fossil was found in a Harbury Cement Quarry and has been part of Herbert Art Gallery & Museum’s collection since the early 1960s. In 2023, the Ichthyosaur received some much-needed restoration work, which has outlined a flurry of new details. Pictured: Annabelle Elvis with Curator, Ali Wells

Available During Opening Times (including Bank Holiday Monday | Friday 14 November 2025 - Monday 25 May 2026 Show all dates and times Stories That Made Us – Roots, Resilience, Representation traces the experiences of a South Asian family in Coventry from 1968 to 2010, drawing on Coventry Archives’ Virk Collection and curator & artist Hardish Virk’s personal archive. Through sound, film, photographs, books, magazines, posters, vinyl records, cassettes and immersive design, the exhibition explores migration, activism and cultural identity across generations. Coventry is home to a vibrant South Asian community, with 18.5% of the city’s population identifying as Asian or Asian British (2021 Census). Despite this, the stories and contributions of South Asian communities are often underrepresented in public collections and exhibitions. This project aims to address this gap by preserving and sharing the heritage of South Asian migrants and their descendants, ensuring their stories are accessible to future generations. Anchored by the themes of Roots (the journey of migration and the contributions of South Asian communities to British society), Resilience (the challenges faced and overcome by migrants and their families), and Representation (the importance of telling these stories authentically and without stereotyping), it asks urgent questions: whose stories are preserved, how are they told, and what does it mean to claim space within institutional memory? This is an exhibition about legacy, belonging and narratives that shape our cities. #StoriesThatMadeUs

Tuesdays (Coventry term-time only) | 10.30am - 11.00am adds context by using a physical object to give words meaning; extends learning through play and increases their opportunities to develop good listening and language skills. Sessions take place in different galleries each week, simply ask at the Welcome Desk when you arrive to find out what space we will be in so your little ones can experience our collections through play. Covid-19 Safety Measures We want you to feel safe and assured that attending our Sensory Stories and Rhymes sessions will enable you to have a fun and engaging experience with your children. Here is what we are doing to ensure this for you:

Group bookings available on request - please email for details Show all dates and times These sessions are designed for those in need of additional support, due to health, wellbeing support, memory or concentration loss. Designed for age 50+, but all are welcome. Join us for an informal discussion and exploration of our visual arts collection. These sessions are designed for those in need of additional support, due to health, wellbeing support, memory or concentration loss. Led by our arts education specialist, participants will encounter a relaxed environment, with seating available and the knowledge that the talk will be delivered in a way that suits the needs of those in the group. We will offer a safe space for you to enjoy relaxed time together to study our visual arts collections, with the support and encouragement of our team. We do not expect all participants to actively join in with conversation, but they are welcome to if they feel comfortable doing so. We welcome questions, knowledge sharing and your suggestions for future Awaken the Arts sessions, so if you have a particular art piece you would like us to focus on, please ask and we will include this is future sessions. Friends, partners and care givers are welcome to join in, to share the experience with their loved ones. Awaken the Arts needs to be booked in advance for groups, which can be booked to suit the date/time of your regular group meet ups. For further information or to book, please contact Lisa Ford, Learning and Engagement Manager by emailing [email protected]

Tuesday-Sunday | Various Time Slots Available Show all dates and times Image: Garry Jones Step into the heart of Coventry’s culture with our Highlights Tour – the perfect way to explore the treasures of the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. Led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, they will share fascinating stories and surprising facts about the art and history that make the Herbert so special. Enjoy the Herbert in a quieter, more exclusive setting with our private after-hours tours. Perfect for clubs, societies, work colleagues, or friends who want to share a unique cultural experience after the crowds have gone. To book, speak to the team at our Welcome Desk or email [email protected] with the quantity within your group for our group or after hours bookings.

Wednesday 3 September - 1 September 2026 | Available During Opening Hours Show all dates and times Find out about Coventry’s old school library, founded more than 450 years ago! See a magnificent medieval manuscript and discover what a Tudor schoolchild would have been reading. 

Tuesday-Sunday | 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 May | 10.30am - 3.30pm Show all dates and times For ages 3+ but all are welcome Looking for something fun and creative to do with the family this half term? Join us at the Herbert Art Gallery for an exciting series of hands-on craft activities inspired by portraits with new unique interpretations, led by the imaginations and creativity of the next generation of artists (that’s our young visitors by the way!). Children and adults alike can: All materials are provided, and our friendly team will guide you every step of the way. Whether your little ones are budding artists or you’re looking for a fun family activity, there’s something for everyone.

Tuesday-Sunday | 25 July – Sunday 30 August (excluding Mondays) | 10.30am - 3.30pm Show all dates and times This summer, step into a world of discovery at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum with our natural history–inspired craft activities for curious minds of all ages. Take a tour through the Curious Creatures, Stones and Bones exhibition, before settling down with your family and friends at our craft stations. Design hotels for bugs, decorate friendship stones for hiding in parks, craft colourful windsocks and so much more. Each week will feature a new craft activity to try and whether you drop in for a quick craft or spend the afternoon creating together, these relaxed sessions are the perfect way to keep little hands busy and imaginations buzzing throughout the summer break.

Saturday 23 May - Monday 31 August 2026 | Available during opening hours Show all dates and times Millions of years ago, the world was filled with giant sea reptiles, roaming dinosaurs and ancient forests. This summer, enter that lost world at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. Pass through a cave entrance into the Palaeoverse, where your adventure begins. Hunt for fossils in virtual reality, board a Jurassic submarine, draw a dinosaur and watch it animate across the wall, and strike the perfect prehistoric pose in the dressing up zone. Along the way, uncover clues, take on interactive challenges and build your own collection of discoveries, before taking time to sit back and enjoy a cinematic journey through an ancient forest landscape. And while you're here, don't miss Dippy in Coventry, the nation's favourite dinosaur, on display at the Herbert.

Saturdays | 26 July 2026 | 6.30pm - 9am Show all dates and times Images above and below: Dan Foley £50 per person for adults, children and carers. Sleepover events are strictly for children aged 6 and above and their accompanying adult/adults only. There are no single adult tickets available. Includes admission fee. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, our May session have been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. During the event you will: Lights go out at 10.30pm and then it's time to settle down to sleep. Breakfast is served between 7am to 8am. Departure from the museum is at 9am. Looking for an unforgettable sleepover experience for your school or uniformed group? Contact [email protected] for availability and price (discount available for school/uniformed groups).

Tuesdays | 28 & 29 July, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26 August 2026 | 9.30am-4pm Show all dates and times Price includes refreshments and admission to the museum. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, our May half term sessions have been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Looking for a school holiday activity that goes beyond ordinary childcare? The Herbert Art Gallery Holiday Club is designed especially for imaginative 7 – 11-year-olds who love to create, experiment, and express themselves. Each full day is packed with hands-on arts and crafts, all inspired by our current exhibitions, giving children the chance to explore new techniques, expand their artistic skills, and discover their own creative voice. Our friendly, DBS-checked museum learning team leads every session, ensuring a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where children can try new things and let their creativity shine. Whether your child dreams of painting, sculpting, or making something entirely unique, our Holiday Club offers a vibrant alternative to traditional childcare—combining fun, learning, and self-expression in a way that only a museum setting can provide. Give your young artist a holiday full of creativity, curiosity, and confidence!

Wednesday 27 May 2026 | 10.30am-3pm Show all dates and times Rediscover the sights, sounds, and stories of childhood across the decades. This nostalgic, hands-on event is designed for adults, families, and anyone who enjoys history and shared experiences. Explore fascinating objects, join an immersive guided tour, listen to music from the 1940s through to the 1980s, and reconnect with games, toys, and stories that shaped generations. Whether you’re reliving your own memories or learning something new, there’s something here for everyone. Guided Tours Times: 11.30am & 2.30pm Join our experienced tour guide, dressed in period costume, for a relaxed journey through time. Learn how childhood has changed from the Victorian era, through WWII, and up to the present day. Board & Card Games: Rediscover classic board and card games that many adults grew up with. Enjoy a break from screens, share a laugh, and introduce these favorites to a new generation. Perfect for adults who enjoy nostalgia as well as younger visitors experiencing these games for the first time. Object Handling Sessions: Meet our costumed object handler and explore a trolley full of intriguing objects. See, touch, and hear the stories behind toys and everyday items from the past. A relaxed, conversational experience that sparks memories and curiosity. Displays & Activities: Undercroft Tours: Short, guided tours of the undercroft available throughout the day. Coventry Transport Museum will also be holding their own I Remember That events on the same day. Head over to the museum to enjoy holiday themed exhibits, object handling and design your own postcard drop in crafts.

Saturday 30 May 2026 | 10am-4pm Show all dates and times Explore rocks, fossils and minerals, take a closer look with magnifiers, and chat with local geologists about the landscapes around Coventry and Warwickshire. Discuss volunteering and career opportunities in geology, and learn more about our upcoming trips and activities. Found something interesting? Bring it along, and we’ll examine it together. Hosted by Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group (WGCG).

Wednesday 17 June and Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 1pm-2pm Show all dates and times Includes Herbert admission fee Join local, award-winning wildlife filmmaker and lifelong naturalist Simon Watts for a richly illustrated, hour-long journey into the natural world. Through stunning visuals and beautifully captured sound, Simon offers a live-narrated and fully interactive experience that brings the outdoors vividly to life. Some of what you’ll see may feel familiar; much of it may surprise you. That sense of rediscovery is part of the pleasure. This is an opportunity to look more closely, learn something new, and share in the simple wonder of exploration together. Simon is also the filmmaker behind the immersive films featured in the Collecting Coventry exhibition, and he is currently filming a remarkable Jurassic Forest experience for the upcoming Unearth the Palaeoverse exhibition. Simon makes commissions for the RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts and provides footage to Springwatch and Chris Packham. Come along for a truly engaging hour of curiosity, conversation, and discovery. Ticket price includes FREE ENTRY to the museum. Spots are limited — grab yours before they’re gone. Booking is essential – book online, 50 places available. Does the price include entry to the museum? Yes. Please attend for the 1 - 2pm talk and feel free to visit the museum afterwards until 4pm. What is the capacity for the sessions? There are 50 spaces on the workshop. If we have high levels of interest you will be added to a waiting list and we will inform you if that is the case. We will update this page and contact all those on the waitlist if a space becomes available.

Wednesdays | 29 July & 5 August 2026 | 1pm-4pm Show all dates and times Intro to 3D Printing: Build It. Print It. Take It Home. Ever wondered how those little plastic gadgets, model parts, or custom tools are actually made? This relaxed, three-hour introduction to 3D printing is designed especially for grandads, dads and lads who like to tinker, build, fix — or simply find out how things work. No experience needed, however participants must know how to operate a computer. We’ll start from scratch and guide you through the basics: how 3D printers work, how simple designs are created on screen, and how an idea becomes a real, solid object you can hold in your hand. You’ll: Come along, roll up your sleeves, and discover how digital ideas turn into real-world objects. Can my child attend the workshop on their own? We would prefer for you to enjoy the activity together with your child. What is the capacity for the sessions? There are 10 spaces on the workshop. If we have high levels of interest you will be added to a waiting list and we will inform you if that is the case. We will update this page and contact all those on the waitlist if a space becomes available.

Wednesday 12 August 2026 | 1pm-4pm Show all dates and times Ready to level up your creativity? Join our one-day Games Design Workshop and create your very own game! No experience needed—we’ll guide you through character design, level building, storytelling, and basic game mechanics in a fun, hands-on environment. By the end of the day, you’ll have a playable game to share. Taught by the team behind Unearth the Palaeoverse, our immersive Summer exhibition. Spots are limited, so sign up soon! Bring your imagination, get creative, and let’s make a game together. Can my child attend the workshop on their own? Yes. While we are happy for you to attend the workshop with your child, all of our facilitators and workshop leads carry an enhanced DBS certificate and your child will be in a safe space throughout the workshop. What is the capacity for the sessions? There are 10 spaces on the workshop. If we have high levels of interest you will be added to a waiting list and we will inform you if that is the case. We will update this page and contact all those on the waitlist if a space becomes available.

Sunday 24 May 2026 | 12pm-4pm Show all dates and times Admission is free with event ticket | Workshop sessions must be booked online in advanced A day-long celebration marking the culmination of the Stories That Made Us – Roots, Resilience, Representation exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The programme brings together photography, music, and storytelling to honour the communities, histories, and creative practices at the heart of the exhibition. Exhibition Engagement with Hardish Virk | 12pm-3pm | For all ages | FREE | Drop in Hardish Virk, exhibition artist, curator, and archivist, will be available throughout the day to meet visitors, answer questions, and offer insights into the exhibition’s themes. Found‑Poetry Workshop | 12pm-3:30 pm | For all ages | FREE | Drop in The Found-poetry workshop led by artist Indy Donald uses archival materials and crafting materials to explore visitors’ personal stories and their connections to the exhibition’s themes. Stories That Made Us: Pop Up Photo Studio | 12pm-3pm (30 minute sessions) | For ages 15+ | FREE | Book Online Join artist and photographer Ayesha Jones for a pop-up portrait studio exploring the stories that shape us. Take part in a collaborative photography and storytelling activity, creating portraits alongside sharing memories, family stories, and reflections from childhood and everyday life. Drumming Therapy with Mahendra Patel | 12.30pm-1.30pm & 1.30pm-2.30pm | For all ages | FREE | Book Online Anyone aged under 16 will need to be supervised by a parent or guardian aged 18+ Discover the power of rhythm - Reduce stress, enhance wellbeing and build connections. The day will conclude with a group performance featuring workshop participants, followed by a special performance by Mahendra and his drummers. Exhibition Tour with Hardish Virk | 2pm-3pm | For all ages | FREE | Book Online Join a guided tour with Hardish Virk and explore the exhibition’s themes, stories, and archival materials.