Welcome to Cornerstone
Discover – Explore - Inspire
Nestled in the heart of Kettering’s town centre, the Gallery, Library, Museum and Gardens – known collectively as Cornerstone – give you the opportunity to learn and explore the culture and history of the area.
The Museum and Gallery remain closed while this exciting renovation project continues. Kettering Library is currently closed for essential roof maintenance, running a reduced service from its temporary location in the new extension behind the existing building.
The only purpose-built art gallery in Northamptonshire, a place where you can enjoy award-winning exhibitions involving the best artists locally and beyond.
Learn about the history of art in Kettering through the surprisingly diverse Gallery collection, featuring works from internationally recognised artists across a range of mediums.
Kettering’s Museum tells the story of our town and its people.
Home to a range of artefacts from our town’s history, with exhibitions and events that have entertained and informed generations of visitors.
More than just books...
Offering everything from children’s activities to community and small business support, the Library first opened in 1904 and is one of the busiest in the county.
A little oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Kettering’s town centre.
You can stop for a breather, enjoy the flower displays, and take a moment to relax. You might even see a squirrel or two.
These Grade II listed buildings have entertained the people of Kettering for over a century, with tens of thousands of visitors every year. Their age and continued popularity meant that it was time for some TLC, time to revitalise, time to improve and adapt.
In 2021, thanks to funding from Southeast Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) and Getting Building Fund, the construction of a new two-storey extension to the rear of the Gallery began, unifying all four elements and beginning the next chapter for our historic site.
Cornerstone – A New Era
Thanks to this funding, benefits include:
- The Garden Room and The Studio, new flexible spaces with modern facilities, providing further opportunities to expand our events and Learning programme.
- An onsite café, offering a delicious range of locally produced food and drink, with an outdoor terrace overlooking Manor House Gardens.
- The Business and IP Centre (BIPC), led by the British Library, supporting creative start-ups, and providing the correct environment for creative and cultural businesses to grow.
- A new Gallery Art Store, a climate-controlled facility that enables the appropriate storage and care of Alfred East Gallery’s historic art collection.
- Fully refurbished Gallery exhibition spaces, enabling the continued hosting of local and national exhibitions.
- A new open plan office area, allowing important research and curatorial work to be conducted in an appropriate space.
- Improved accessibility, including a Changing Places toilet, allowing everyone to access and enjoy all Cornerstone has to offer.