We are a multi-award-winning visitor attraction offering an unforgettable day out in Northampton.
Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, 78 Derngate has been meticulously restored and opened to the public.
On-site: a boutique restaurant, light-filled art galleries, a stylish design shop and elegant spaces that can be hired for meetings, events and functions.
78 Derngate was the architect's final major commission; his visionary patron, Northampton model engineer, W.J Bassett-Lowke. It is the only place outside Scotland in which Mackintosh's mature architectural and interior style can be seen in their original setting. As such, the house has drawn many thousands of visitors from around the globe.
Now you can follow in their footsteps and see this unique work from one of Britain's most influential and celebrated designers. Famed, not only for its Charles Rennie Mackintosh design but now also as an elegant and special venue. Afternoon tea, fabulous food, stylish shopping, inspirational art exhibitions, business meetings and corporate events.
A warm welcome awaits you!
We are so pleased to announce that we have been approved for Full Museum Accreditation by Arts Council England!
Gaining this new status is a significant endorsement and shows that our organisation is professionally run, sustainable and trustworthy and also that we offer great experiences to our visitors from all over the world.
The Accreditation Standard is run as a partnership between Arts Council England, Museums Galleries Scotland, NI Museums Council and the Welsh Government.
Thank you to all those from whom we got strong support - including Northampton Town Council and of course Museum Development Midlands (MDM) whose team of experts were always on hand for extra guidance. Also to those volunteers at 78 Derngate who went over and above the call of duty to help out with various aspects of the submission - it was all worth it!
Thank you ACE!
An exhibition of Contemporary Stitched Art Textiles
We are delighted to be hosting this new exhibition of textiles and mixed media work which has been created by the Visualise textile group. Visualise was formed several years ago, by like-minded artists who enjoy creating diverse work with stitch as the common thread.
The exhibition will also feature work by internationally known textile artist and Embroiderers Guild member Nigel Cheney who is the current mentor to Visualise.
On display is a diverse array of abstract, realistic and figurative art using a wide variety of media: paper, fabric (new, distressed and recycled) and found objects which are hand and machine stitched, or felted to create art inspired by both the natural world and the built environment.
The exhibition includes textile art inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and 78 Derngate itself, with framed and small items for sale.
Combining a look round the iconic Charles Rennie Mackintosh House before visiting the exhibition, gardens and shop, followed by partaking of some drink or food in The Dining Room is the perfect way to spend a glorious few hours in Northampton town.
There will be some 'Meet the Artists' days during the exhibition at which the artists will be on site between approx 11 - 4:
Thursday 27th March - Janet Gosling
Thursday 3rd April - Sandra Jenkins
Friday 11th April - Mary Martin & Jane Caven
Thursday 17th April - Therese Kane & Wendy Bates
Thursday 24th April - Janet Gosling
Thursday 1st May - Val Taylor
Tuesday 6th May - Olivia Wilson
Thursday 8th May - Jane Stock
The members meet regularly in Welford, Northamptonshire, with the aim of promoting creativity through rigorous discipline, underpinned by an interest in the history of textiles worldwide.
Opening on Saturday 8th March until Sunday 25th May 2025, closed Mondays
10am- 4.30 pm - free admission to galleries, shop and cafe.
Take a look at around 78 Derngate, including photos of our stunning new atrium.
Online booking available (Guided tours not always guaranteed).
Telephone: 01604 603407 LANDLINE IS CURRENTLY OUT OF ORDER, PLEASE EMAIL OR PHONE 07506 245269
Dining Room Restaurant:
07506 745269 for bookings CLOSED ON MONDAY APRIL 21ST 2025
Standard Admission:
£
12.00
Dining Room bookings - landline currently unobtainable, please call 07506 745269 until further notice.
The Mackintosh-designed interior and exterior of 78 has been sensitively restored to the original 1916 scheme. The whole of 80 is completely remodelled to create a new visitor centre and exhibition space.
From a coffee to a light lunch, full afternoon tea or a delicious meal - The Dining Room is sure to delight. Combine with a visit to the Mackintosh House for a fabulous day out.
We can offer a number of stylish and beautiful spaces for hire within our buildings - all of them designed by leading architects. Our on-site team can offer catering for your event.
Take a virtual wander through our buildings or use the buttons to jump to specific places.
The view can be panned and zoomed using your pointer and the on-screen controls.
Entrance
Shop
The Atrium
The
Bassett-Lowke
Rooms
Gallery
The Dining Room
The Deck
For further information about visiting us, please click here.
Though 78 Derngate is but a small terraced house in the English midlands it has been the subject of much comment over the years. Its remodelling by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916 -17 created something that has fascinated people for a century.
Dan Cruickshank
Art historian and broadcaster
"78 Derngate is dazzling."
Simon Calder
Travel Editor The Independent
"78 Derngate is one of those places you have to shout about. It is a textbook example of how to do tourism."
John McAslan CBE
Restoration Architect 78 Derngate
"An extraordinary riot of colour and pattern, mitigated by textural subtlety and attention to detail. 78 Derngate is a house of drama, richness and depth."
Eric Knowles
BBC Antiques Roadshow
"An ordinary street in an ordinary town but behind one of these front doors lies one of the most important interiors of the entire twentieth century."
The Telegraph
Newspaper
"To the great museums of the world, there must now be added one other. No 78 Derngate, Northampton. Just opened, this is the most delightful museum you will ever see."
Roger Bilcliffe
Noted authority on Charles Rennie Mackintosh
"A masterful reconstruction - sets the bar high for other owners of Mackintosh buildings."
Jonathan Foyle
Architectural historian and broadcaster
"Northampton has some architectural gems and 78 Derngate is a bright one."
