Cromer Museum tells the story of Cromer and the surrounding North Norfolk coast, exploring the area's rich heritage, geology, fishing traditions, and seaside tourism. The museum is housed in a row of former Victorian fishermen's cottages, known as East Cottages, tucked behind Cromer Parish Church. These historic buildings provide an authentic setting for exhibits that showcase how local fishing families once lived and worked.
The museum itself is relatively modern. In the mid-20th century, Cromer Town Council sought to establish a museum for the town and purchased the cottages in 1967. After years of collecting artefacts and waiting for the remaining residents to move out, the museum officially opened to visitors on 15 June 1978, when Lady Preston of Cromer Hall formally declared it open. Since then, it has grown into one of Norfolk's most important local history museums.
Today, Cromer Museum is best known for its displays on the town's fishing heritage, Victorian seaside culture, and the famous West Runton Elephant, one of the most significant Ice Age fossil discoveries ever found in Britain. The museum also houses the world's largest collection of photographs by pioneering photographer Olive Edis, whose work captured both local life and prominent figures of the early twentieth century. Following a major redevelopment completed in 2006, the museum now combines modern facilities with historic surroundings, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the people, landscapes, and history that shaped Cromer.