If you’ve ever swan-dived off a crumbling temple, locked Winston the butler in a freezer, or spent hours exploring Croft Manor before heading off to raid some tombs, Derby has something special lined up for you.
In 2026, Tomb Raider celebrates its 30th anniversary, and the city where Lara Croft was born is marking the occasion in style.
Derby Museums is set to transform the historic Pickford’s House into Croft Manor for a major new exhibition celebrating three decades of one of gaming’s most iconic heroes. And frankly, there aren’t many places better suited to tell Lara’s story than Derby.
Before she became a global superstar, starred in blockbuster films and appeared on lunchboxes, action figures and magazine covers around the world, Lara Croft was conceived in a modest office at Core Design in Derby. Released in 1996, Tomb Raider changed the face of gaming, introducing players to a fearless archaeologist whose adventures blended action, puzzles and exploration at a time when 3D gaming was still in its infancy.
The game’s success was extraordinary. Lara quickly became not only one of gaming’s biggest stars but also one of Britain’s most successful cultural exports. Yet while her adventures took her from Peru to Egypt, Greece to Atlantis, her roots have always been firmly planted in Derby.
Core Design, based in the city, developed the original run of Tomb Raider games and helped establish Derby as an unlikely but hugely influential centre of the video games industry during the 1990s. The studio’s success put the city on the map for gamers worldwide, creating a character who would go on to become one of the most recognisable fictional figures of the modern era.
- We rated all the Tomb Raider games HERE
Now, three decades later, Lara is coming home.
The exhibition, co-curated by collector Luke Earle, promises to be a must-visit for longtime fans and gaming history buffs alike. Pickford’s House will be transformed into a version of the legendary Croft Manor, complete with original development materials from the early days of Tomb Raider, many of them loaned by former Core Design developers who helped bring Lara to life.
Alongside the rare behind-the-scenes artefacts, visitors can expect memorabilia and collectables from private collections, interactive displays and activities, and a series of cosplay events celebrating one of gaming’s most enduring characters.
It’s also a chance to look beyond the dual pistols and famous braid to explore how a Derby-made video game became a global phenomenon.
Three decades on, Lara Croft is still exploring. This time, though, the adventure leads back to where it all began.
WHERE: Pickfords’ House, Derby
WHEN: July 24, 2026 – November 28 2026
