This winter, the North Lincolnshire Museum will take visitors on a nostalgic trip through more than a century of local film history. Opening on 22 November 2025, Picture House Past: Cinemas of North Lincolnshire runs until 3 May 2026, celebrating the region’s cinematic heritage from the 1890s to the final screenings at Scunthorpe’s Majestic Cinema in 2003.
The free exhibition showcases the role that cinemas once played in community life, with displays featuring vintage photographs, original equipment, posters, and memorabilia. A highlight of the exhibition is the return of the Majestic Cinema mosaic, carefully preserved after being removed from the building before its demolition.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: “Cinemas once played a central role in community life across North Lincolnshire, they were places where people came together, shared moments, and made memories. This exhibition not only celebrates that vibrant past but brings it to life for a new generation.
“From the conservation of the Majestic mosaic to the voices of local people sharing their stories, we’re bringing something that really matters to our communities – a connection to our shared heritage, and pride in our local identity.”
Short films and personal accounts from residents bring to life the excitement of early movie-going, capturing a time when the silver screen was a shared experience that connected generations. The exhibition forms part of the Council’s wider efforts to preserve North Lincolnshire’s cultural identity and ensure local heritage remains accessible to all.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
