Adult£10.00
Admits one adult for 12 months
Discover the rich history of the region at the Yorkshire Museum. Home to historical collections, the museum presents exhibitions showcasing ancient treasures, regional archaeology, and local heritage in the heart of York.
An archaeology and heritage museum in York presenting historical collections, including Roman and Viking exhibitions.
The Yorkshire Museum in York showcases the rich history, archaeology, and heritage of the region. Visitors can explore dynamic displays and exhibitions that bring local history to life, including Roman power and northern Viking history. It stands as a key destination for historical exploration, offering a fascinating look at regional treasures.
Planning a visit to the Yorkshire Museum in York is straightforward, as advance reservations are not required for entry. Visitors are free to explore the galleries and historical collections at their own pace during opening hours. Setting aside a morning or afternoon allows you to comfortably experience the exhibits tracing the region's archaeology and natural history.
The Yorkshire Museum in York offers a rich exploration of regional archaeology, geology, and natural history. Run by the York Museums Trust, the venue hosts outstanding collections tracing local heritage from prehistory through the Roman and medieval eras. Visitors can explore dedicated galleries highlighting northern Viking history and Roman power. Specialized exhibitions like Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard bring rare archaeological discoveries to light. Tailored family programmes and seasonal events further enrich this engaging journey into the past.
Explore archaeological treasures from the ancient city of Eboracum.
Discover the history of Eboracum through an impressive four-metre mosaic floor, tombstone remains, and everyday tools. See how people from across the Roman Empire lived and shaped historic York.
Roman York Exhibition
Historic treasures from the Anglian, Viking, and Medieval eras.
Delve into York's rich heritage as a historic seat of power and commercial wealth. Examine significant archaeological finds, including the famous York Helmet and Gilling Sword, which showcase centuries of political and religious influence.
Medieval York Exhibition
Explore prehistoric history and CGI dinosaur displays in York.
See rare fossils, including a unique sauropod specimen, and experience ancient marine habitats brought to life. This interactive exhibition is included with standard museum admission.
Jurassic World Exhibition
Uncover the mysteries of ancient British ritual headdresses.
Examine 11,000-year-old deer headdresses and the earliest known Mesolithic art in Britain. Learn how collaborative archaeological research from regional universities investigates whether these unique artifacts were used for ritual practices or survival disguises.
Star Carr Exhibition
Discover Mesolithic history and ancient Star Carr artifacts.
Learn about Yorkshire’s earliest ancestors from the Paleolithic era to the Iron Age. See incredibly preserved antler tools, bone harpoons, and geological specimens. Experience the ancient environment through integrated digital content and film.
Exhibition Details
Discover William Smith's pioneering English geology map.
See the monumental 200-year-old geological map by William 'Strata' Smith. Trace his fascinating life journey and discover how his groundbreaking scientific achievements transformed our understanding of the planet.
Exhibition DetailsEstablished in 1982 to house historic farm machinery, the Yorkshire Museum in York preserves regional history and heritage. In 1993, the museum expanded by opening a restored section of the Derwent Valley Light Railway. Following the addition of a specialized audiovisual facility between 2007 and 2008, the institution achieved **full accreditation** in 2010. The 2013 launch of an exhibition celebrating the Women's Land Army further enhanced its documentation of agricultural life.
The Yorkshire Museum has secured £2 million in funding from Arts Council England to initiate vital roof repairs and upgrades. This infrastructure project, part of a broader £5 million restoration plan, will address critical drainage issues to protect the museum’s nationally significant collections. Visitors can expect ongoing improvements to the building's fabric over the next two years as part of the museum's commitment to long-term sustainability.
The Yorkshire Museum is hosting a variety of interactive family activities throughout the 2026 summer holidays. Visitors can look forward to historical character encounters, creative workshops inspired by the Melsonby Hoard, and engaging nature trails in the surrounding gardens.
His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, recently toured the Yorkshire Museum to explore the significant Iron Age discovery known as the Melsonby Hoard. The visit highlighted the museum's ongoing research into this unique find, which is currently featured in the special exhibition 'Chariots, Treasure and Power'. Visitors can see these rare archaeological treasures and learn more about their impact on our understanding of Iron Age Britain.
York Museum Gardens invites adults to an exclusive after-hours experience this August. Visitors can enjoy cocktails, live music, and street food amidst the historic ruins of St Mary's Abbey during these special, limited-access evening sessions.
The Yorkshire Museum is currently hosting the landmark exhibition 'Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard' as part of the nationwide Festival of Archaeology. Visitors can discover over 800 significant Iron Age objects, recognized as the largest collection of its kind found in Britain. The exhibition offers a unique look at North Yorkshire's ancient history and remains on view until summer 2027.
The Yorkshire Museum is currently displaying creative replicas of the Melsonby Hoard, handcrafted by pupils from Melsonby Methodist Primary School. This special community installation, located in the central gallery, features student art alongside poems and local contributions inspired by the museum's major Iron Age exhibition. The display is included with general museum admission through summer 2027.
The York Health and Arts Mela returns to the York Museum Gardens on 17 May 2026. This free multicultural community festival promotes wellbeing through a variety of traditional music, dance performances, local workshops, and diverse food stalls.
Scientific research has uncovered a long-hidden 1833 drawing and letter within the Yorkshire Museum’s archives that offer new insights into the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. This discovery sheds light on the historic use of fossilized sepia ink in paleontological illustration. Visitors can explore more about these pioneering women in science at the museum's ongoing Mary Anning exhibition.
Images of the Yorkshire Museum in York capture its striking neoclassical building, complete with a classical columned portico and a green lawn. The surrounding gardens feature historic stone ruins and rose bushes, establishing a peaceful outdoor setting. Inside, visual previews showcase dedicated gallery spaces that house the museum's archaeology and regional heritage collections.
Locate historic exhibitions and heritage sites in York.
Identify museums to visit in York that match your specific interests. Discover heritage highlights and local history exhibitions tailored to what you want to learn. Plan a highly personalized itinerary through the rich cultural landscape of this historic destination.
