Leeds City Museum
Museum | Leeds | England | United Kingdom
Cultural center in the heart of Leeds
The Leeds City Museum is a significant cultural center in the heart of Leeds, presenting a wide range of exhibitions and collections. It is located in the historic building of the Leeds Institute and offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of the city and the world.
Exhibitions and collections at the museum
Exhibitions and Collections
Historic building of the Leeds Institute
The museum houses six main galleries covering various themes:
Educational activities and events at the museum
Life on Earth: This gallery focuses on the natural world and showcases impressive exhibits such as the Bengal Tiger specimen from Leeds, which was added to the collection in 1862. Another highlight is the skeleton of a Moa bird, an extinct giant bird species from New Zealand.
Victorian architecture in Leeds exploring
Ancient Worlds: Visitors can admire artifacts from various ancient cultures, including the mummy of Nesyamun, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian priest who was damaged during the air raids of 1941 but fortunately survived.
The Collectors Cabinet: This gallery features a rotating collection of objects reflecting the history of collecting in Leeds since 1700. A notable piece is the bronze sculpture "Circe" by Alfred Drury, originally commissioned by the Leeds Art Gallery in 1894.
World View: This gallery celebrates the diversity of cultures and communities in Leeds and worldwide. A special section is dedicated to Buddhism, showcasing various artifacts and information about the religion.
Leeds Story: This gallery tells the history of Leeds from prehistoric times to the modern era. A standout exhibit is the Malham Pipe, originally identified as a bone flute from the Iron Age but later revised to the early medieval period.
Special Exhibitions: On the third floor, a gallery hosts rotating special exhibitions. A previous exhibition titled "Beavers to Weavers" explored objects created by animals.
Education and Events
The museum offers a diverse program of educational activities and events catering to different age groups. This includes workshops, lectures, and interactive activities that deepen understanding of the exhibitions and promote interest in history and culture.
Architecture and History
The Leeds City Museum was originally founded in 1819 and reopened in the Leeds Institute building in 2008. The building was designed by architect Cuthbert Brodrick and constructed between 1865 and 1868. It is located on Millennium Square and is a significant example of Victorian architecture in Leeds.
