Members of the Cumbrian community are being encouraged to find their Tullie as part of an exciting new programme of special exhibitions and events.
People are being invited to embark on a new adventure by checking out the new programme of events, talks, exhibitions and wellbeing activities during at Tullie January and February.
Tullie is a museum, art gallery, cafe and community hub with a forward-thinking programme of events for the festive season and well into 2026. Housing a collection of almost 1 million objects which tell the story of Carlisle, there is something for everyone at Tullie.
Colour: A season of shades, tints and tones explores the concept of colour and why it means different things in different cultures and times. Running until 25th January 2026, the exhibition shows how colour has been linked to power, value and even prejudice. Featuring work by Wassily Kandinski, Andy Warhol and Hokusai, alongside the beguiling plumage of the ruby-topaz hummingbird, this fascinating exhibition also has everyday usage of colour from cosmetics to Cadbury purple.
On 22nd January 2026 from 4pm-8pm, Tullie will be hosting Colour Lates when visitors will be able to explore Colour: A season of shades, tints and tones after dark, and Cafe Tullie and Carlisle Gallery will also be open late.
Other exhibitions open in January include Re-write the Narrative in the Tullie Community Gallery and an exhibition by photographer Tony Tuxill, Carlisle 1978-1979, will run until 1 February 2026 in the Tullie Gardens.
Two new exhibitions – Uncovering Roman Carlisle: Where Worlds Met and A British Museum Partnership Exhibition: Gladiators of Britain – will open on 7th February.
From book signings, talks, in-person craft workshops, life drawing classes, meditation and sound baths, to a French black and white film screening, art groups, UV puppet shows, a community choir and relaxed sessions for the colour exhibition, there really is something for everyone.
As 2026 opens there are family crafts, Meet Me at the Museum events, a screening of Hamlet from the National Theatre Live and late sessions after dark where art lovers will get to experience Tullie at twilight.
Cafe Tullie will be open to customers 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am-4pm on Sunday, and Tullie’s new shop on the ground floor, with proceeds from both going towards the museum.
Katie Mitchell, Head of Commercial and Operations at Tullie, said: “Tullie isn’t just a gallery and museum. It genuinely means something different to everyone who comes through our doors. For those who are eternally curious and creative spark, Tullie has something new in store every time you visit.
“We’re very proud of our role in the Cumbrian community and to have developed a warm and welcoming set of special exhibitions and events that offer something for everyone in our community so we can all share and celebrate together.
“Whether it’s a quiet hour in the galleries, a family adventure, a moment of creativity, or simply a coffee in a warm, welcoming space. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a Tullie that feels like home to you.”
