Chesterfield Museum opened in 1994 and tells the 'Story of Chesterfield' from its beginnings as a Roman fort to the present day market town. The Museum includes a small art gallery which usually displays the work of local artist, Joseph Syddall (1864–1942). Syddall studied at Hubert von Herkomer's art school in Bushey. The oil painting collection also comprises portraits of mayors and local dignitaries, as well as works by David Ghilchik (1890–1970) of industrial scenes at the Staveley Works.
One of the Museum's most important works is 'The Birthplace of the Locomotive' by John Lucas (1807–1874), which shows George Stephenson and his family. Chesterfield has a strong connection to George Stephenson, who lived his later years in Chesterfield and is buried at a local church. The painting was commissioned by Robert Stephenson after his father's death.