More than 70 paintings and sculptures have gone on display at the Priestgate-based attraction, some of which have never been seen before in the city.
Called The Framed, the exhibition includes works by traditional masters such as JMW Turner, Nathan Fielding and Walter Sickert and modern artists including Patrick Heron and Elizabeth Frink.
The art went on show on Saturday, and will remain hanging in the gallery until February.
Aaron Barham (5), Emily Paskin and Amanda Barham view rarely-seen portraits. (8PF1115170) Picture: PAUL FRANKS
The exhibition includes many paintings looking at how the city and its cathedral have changed over the centuries, giving art lovers and local historians the chance to brush up on Peterborough's past.
Collection and interpretation officer at the museum Sarah Wilson, said she hoped the museum would prove to be very popular over the next four months.
The Guildhall as viewed from Market Square, by Arthur Beal. Picture: PAUL FRANKS
She said: "We decided to bring them out of the basement, as we have changed the gallery back into a traditional gallery.
"The exhibition was very well received this weekend, and we wanted it to be open for as long as possible to give people the chance to see the collection.
Peterborough Cathedral, by Joseph Turner. Picture: PAUL FRANKS
"When it is over, we hope that the gallery will be home to displays from local artists, community groups as well as touring displays."
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm during term time, and noon to 4pm on Sundays, with free admission.
The Framed exhibition will be on display until 1st February, more about Peterborough Museum on peterboroughtoday.co.uk/museum.
The cathedral's west front, painted by Joseph Turner in 1795. Picture: PAUL FRANKS
An etching by Thomas Worlidge. Picture: PAUL FRANKS
An animal study by Thomas Cooper. Picture: PAUL FRANKS
The full article contains 267 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
