Leeds City Museum

The Leeds City Museum occupies a striking Victorian building and houses collections spanning natural history, archaeology, and local culture. The displays spread across multiple floors, showing artifacts from world civilizations alongside objects from everyday life in Leeds.

The collection began in 1819 when the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society started gathering objects in the Philosophical Hall on Bond Street. The current building was originally a Mechanics' Institute and was later converted to serve as a museum.

The museum displays objects that tell the story of Leeds from the perspective of the people who lived here. You can explore old crafts, local artists, and how the city changed over generations.

The museum is easy to reach and sits in a central location at Millennium Square with clear signs to guide you. Plan to spend a couple of hours moving through the different floors, especially if you want to linger over the archaeological and natural history displays.

A striking taxidermied tiger has been on display continuously since 1862 and was shot by a British colonel while hunting in India. This animal has become so tied to the museum that it has never been moved from its spot over the years.

Location: Leeds

Inception: September 13, 2008

Official opening: June 18, 1868

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: Leeds Museums & Galleries

Address: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday,Sunday 11:00-17:00

Phone: +441132243732

Website: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-city-museum

GPS coordinates: 53.80167,-1.54694

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55