Its collections include material on the copper and slate mines of the region, geology, lace making, farming, and writer Arthur Ransome.

A larger collection is devoted to the life and work of John Ruskin.

A specialist collection covers the achievements of Donald Campbell, who died while attempting a new water speed record on Coniston Water.
In December 2006, his daughter Gina Campbell donated the salvaged remains of Bluebird K7 to the Ruskin Museum on behalf of the whole Campbell family.
This original recovered material is now the property of the museum, while the restored and replaced parts of the boat remain under the control of The Bluebird Project, who retain ownership of their materials.
There is now uncertainty about the future of the boat, partly due to the conflicting desires of both parties: The Bluebird Project wishes to be able to exhibit it on water periodically, as a working racing speedboat, and the museum, in contrast, wishes to keep it as a permanent exhibit.

In the grounds of the museum stands 'Riverdale', an extensive collection of over sixty miniature structures including houses, bridges and farm buildings which were hand-made by local builder John Usher (1940-1993).
Based on local vernacular architecture, the slate and stone structures were removed from Usher's former home Brow Head after his death, with the largest collection being rehomed at the museum in 1999.
Its collections include material on the copper and slate mines of the region, geology, lace making, farming, and writer Arthur Ransome.
A larger collection is devoted to the life and work of John Ruskin.
A specialist collection covers the achievements of Donald Campbell, who died while attempting a new water speed record on Coniston Water. In December 2006, his daughter Gina Campbell donated the salvaged remains of Bluebird K7 to the Ruskin Museum on behalf of the whole Campbell family. This original recovered material is now the property of the museum, while the restored and replaced parts of the boat remain under the control of The Bluebird Project, who retain ownership of their materials. There is now uncertainty about the future of the boat, partly due to the conflicting desires of both parties: The Bluebird Project wishes to be able to exhibit it on water periodically, as a working racing speedboat, and the museum, in contrast, wishes to keep it as a permanent exhibit.
In the grounds of the museum stands 'Riverdale', an extensive collection of over sixty miniature structures including houses, bridges and farm buildings which were hand-made by local builder John Usher (1940-1993). Based on local vernacular architecture, the slate and stone structures were removed from Usher's former home Brow Head after his death, with the largest collection being rehomed at the museum in 1999.
Ruskin Museum