National Justice Museum
National Justice Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I had a truly enchanting experience at the National Justice Museum, attending the Candlelight Tribute to Joe Hisaishi. The museum itself, with its rich history and atmospheric setting, provided the perfect backdrop for an intimate and immersive musical evening. The candlelit ambiance transformed the space into something almost otherworldly, making the tribute to Joe Hisaishi’s iconic compositions even more moving. The live performance was breathtaking, bringing to life the magic of Studio Ghibli’s beloved soundtracks with warmth and depth. Each piece was beautifully played, evoking nostalgia and emotion. Beyond the event, the National Justice Museum is a fascinating venue that offers a deep dive into history. Walking through its corridors before the concert added to the experience, making the night both culturally enriching and emotionally powerful. If you love history, music, and unique experiences, I highly recommend both visiting the museum and attending a Candlelight Concert—especially if you’re a fan of Joe Hisaishi’s timeless scores.
Isabelle S.Isabelle S.
00
This was a super interesting and well-done museum that can be seen in 1-2 hours, depending on how thoroughly you read everything. The museum goes through topics like what is crime, forensics, historical transportation to penal colonies, how capital punishment has evolved, what prison conditions were like, etc. It has a pretty comprehensive view, particularly focusing on the last few hundred years in Britain. Though the museum is occasionally dated looking, there is excellent signage and visuals. What stands out compared to other similar museums, though, is the gaol representations on the lower levels, and able to physically see things like solitary confinement or dungeons. If you purchase the joint caves ticket, note that the caves are on a separate site about a 3-4 minute walk down the street and down a few flights of stairs. There is not parking on site, but car parks nearby. Toilets are clean and near reception.
Becky TBecky T
00
Our first visit and it was brill. Made welcome as soon as we got to the admissions desk by friendly chatty staff. The museum is like a TARDIS with many floors. Looking round is self paced with lots to see around the courts, prison and dungeons. Plenty of information boards about the areas and rooms. The timed performances are a must, the trial of William cook and a public execution !! We caught the trial and the performers were excellent... You could end up taking part. On site there's plenty of toilets and a cafe. There are lifts between most of the floors to help with accessibility but as a historic building there are areas with uneven floors, very low ceilings and steps. Great family location and all indoors if the weathers a bit iffy. You will need a couple of hours to see all. Because of the nature of the building no dogs except the usual assistance dogs. We will certainly be coming again.
Andrew LickleyAndrew Lickley
00
Such a fun experience! I’d have loved to spend more time going through everything in more detail but our group had several younger kids (under 10) who, though they enjoyed the offerings, weren’t as keen on the details as the adults were. The mock trial and “hanging” were really well done and I loved how they based the performances off of real life happenings. If you enjoy learning about how far we’ve come (or how backwards) our social “justice” system was/is, I definitely recommend taking this in while in Nottingham. They had an area dedicated to the inception of Forensic Science which was really well done! A very cool detail was the wrist band you were given upon entry had a “convict number” and throughout the museum, you would come across the stories of these real people. Very well done and an interactive way to educate and engage those visiting.
Jessica DeBlissJessica DeBliss
00
It is a fascinating museum that takes you on a journey about crime throughout our history. Perceptions of criminals and the history of the justice system. The photo exhibition of Juvenile in Justice, photographed in America by Richard Ross, is very thought-provoking. It confronts and highlights the desperate need for social change, raising awareness of so many things wrong with our state systems regarding social deprivation and poverty, which often lead to crime. Nurture these communities with hope and opportunities, resources and tools, sports, art, and music for children to thrive, then less will be forced into crime to survive. The exhibition is brilliant in the way it gets this message across. We can all make a difference. Well worth visiting. What you learn here will stay with you.
Julie PerrotJulie Perrot
00
We visited this museum on a whim as it was across the road from our hotel and I'm so pleased we did. A fantastic museum looking into the history of how criminals were treated and punished in the very building itself. Amazing staff, taking on roles such as Barrister, Prisoner or Hangman, all being incredibly informative both in and out of character, bringing history alive. I'd definitely recommend timing your visit to be able to see the trial reenactment and public execution reenactment (no spoilers but it doesn't get gruesome, although you'll definitely know how the prisoners felt and will learn alot about how criminals were punished). Considering we popped in on a whim, we spent over 3 hours here, left feeling informed, entertained and grateful for finding such a fantastic museum.
Christopher LockleyChristopher Lockley
00
Nearby Attractions Of National Justice Museum
Victoria Centre
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Nottingham Castle
City of Caves
Robin Hood Statue
National Ice Centre
Nottingham Contemporary
The Lost City Adventure Golf
Old Market Square
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
Victoria Centre
4.2
(6.7K)Click for details
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
4.6
(3.9K)Click for details
Nottingham Castle
4.1
(2.4K)Click for details
City of Caves
4.5
(1.2K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of National Justice Museum
Turtle Bay Nottingham
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem
Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
Annie's Burger Shack
Saracens Cafe
Canalhouse
Pizza Punks Nottingham
The Joseph Else - JD Wetherspoon
Zaap Thai Street Food
Turtle Bay Nottingham
4.8
(4.5K)Click for details
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
4.8
(4.6K)Click for details
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem
4.6
(3.3K)Click for details
Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
4.6
(3.3K)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
National Justice Museum, High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 115 952 0555
Call
Website
nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(989 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The National Justice Museum is an independent museum on High Pavement in the Lace Market area of Nottingham, England. The museum is housed in a former Victorian courtroom, prison, and police station and is therefore a historic site where an individual could be arrested, tried, sentenced and executed.
attractions: Victoria Centre, Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Castle, City of Caves, Robin Hood Statue, National Ice Centre, Nottingham Contemporary, The Lost City Adventure Golf, Old Market Square, The Exchange (Exchange Arcade), restaurants: Turtle Bay Nottingham, Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, Pitcher & Piano Nottingham, Annie's Burger Shack, Saracens Cafe, Canalhouse, Pizza Punks Nottingham, The Joseph Else - JD Wetherspoon, Zaap Thai Street Food
