Leeds City Museum was established in 1819 by Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, with the public museum being opened in 1821. The museum was originally located on Bond Street, before it was rebuilt on Park Row in 1862. In 1941 the building and its artefacts were badly damaged by bombing, with several important objects lost in the rubble. The museum was repaired and continued to operate until 1965, when it was closed. Some of the key objects were moved to the city library, included the Leeds Tiger, the giant Irish Elk, and a carved wooden cart. In 1999 the museum went into storage and in 2001 Leeds City Council put a bid into the National Lottery to create a new museum in the former Leeds Mechanics’ Institute. In 2004 the bid was successful and the building went through a complete redesign to house a permanent museum for the people of Leeds. Leeds City Museum reopened in 2008 with four floors of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries showcasing objects from Leeds Museums and Galleries collection of over 1.3 million items. Today the museum offers entry on a Give What You Can donation basis, with visitors being able to choose their donation amount, or visit for free if they are not able to donate. There are plenty of interactive galleries to visit, and local families are particularly fond of the regular kids’ activities and school holiday events. The museum also has a café on site, the Herbarium Café, which serves a selection of cakes and traybakes, lunch options, and hot and cold drinks.
History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Archaeology Ethnology Geology Ancient art Music
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Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Bank holidays: 11am-5pm
Millennium Square, Leeds
Leeds City Museum has 1 rating.
Leeds City Museum offers visitors an engaging look at the history and culture of Leeds and Yorkshire. Located in the heart of the city, the museum houses diverse exhibits spanning natural history, ancient worlds, and local heritage. The Life on Earth gallery, featuring a large collection of taxidermy animals, is particularly popular among visitors. The museum also showcases Leeds' industrial past and its impact on the city's development. While some visitors note that certain exhibits could benefit from updates or more interactive elements, many appreciate the museum's free admission and its ability to cater to various interests. The museum's layout is generally praised for being well-organized and accessible. However, some visitors mention that more in-depth information on certain exhibits would enhance the experience. Overall, Leeds City Museum provides an informative and enjoyable experience for both locals and tourists, offering a good overview of the region's history and natural world.
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