Museums and Galleries

Since 1849, Leicester Museums and Galleries have been welcoming the public into our museum venues for free. We are a National Portfolio Organisation supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Visit the Leicester Museums website to discover the range of museums, heritage venues, galleries, exhibitions and events.

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

For over 170 years Leicester Museum and Art Gallery on the historic New Walk, has been bringing people together to enjoy art, history and science, for free. Enjoy an exciting temporary exhibitions and permanent galleries dedicated to dinosaurs, ancient Egypt and the natural world. Formerly known as New Walk Museum.

Abbey Pumping Station

Step through the doors beneath the 150-foot chimney and your will discover how Leicester’s Victorians tackled some of the big issues of the day, including how to keep clean water flowing for the growing city. Abbey Pumping Station has exhibits that encourage all the family to get hands-on with science, industry, transport, health and hygiene.

Belgrave Hall

Belgrave Hall, a stunning Grade II listed property, is set within two acres of beautiful gardens, in Belgrave Village. The tranquil walled gardens include plants and trees introduced by the hall’s many owners, including yew trees and wisteria planted by the Ellis family in the mid-1800s. The gardens are regularly open to the public and the Hall is accessible on special event days.

Leicester Guildhall 

Step away from the bustle of Leicester’s busy shopping streets and travel back 600 years into Leicester Guildhall, one of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country. Starting with its Great Hall built in about 1390, a visit to Leicester Guildhall will take you through the centuries and many uses of the site. Walk the streets of medieval Leicester and uncover a world both familiar and very different to our own! 

Newarke Houses Museum

Two of Leicester’s most interesting historic houses, now form the Newarke Houses social history and regimental museum. Collections of toys from the beginning of the 1500s to the present day, a thought-provoking regimental collection and a recreated First World War trench can all be seen. There’s also a 1950s street scene with its shops and pub where you can hear the stories of people who call Leicester their home.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Discover the incredible story of the king under the car park at the award-winning King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester.