Leicester Museum and Art Gallery - Leicester

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery: A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled in the heart of Leicester, the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy. This comprehensive museum, located at 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA, United Kingdom, is a treasure trove of artifacts, artworks, and interactive exhibits that cater to both local residents and tourists alike. With a telephone number of 1164544554 and a website at leicestermuseums.org, the museum is easily accessible and well-connected.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The museum houses an impressive collection of over 140,000 objects, spanning a wide range of disciplines from art and archaeology to natural sciences and world cultures. Notable exhibits include the Ancient Egyptian collection, the Dinosaur Gallery, and the Art Gallery, which boasts works by renowned artists such as Turner, Stubbs, andption.
• Educational Programs: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery offers a variety of educational programs for schools and families, including workshops, tours, and resources tailored to different age groups and subjects. These programs aim to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning in visitors of all ages.
• Events and Activities: The museum hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year, from art exhibitions and workshops to live performances and family fun days. These events provide unique opportunities for visitors to engage with the museum's collections and connect with local artists and communities.

Location and Access

The museum is situated in the Leicester city center, adjacent to the bustling New Walk shopping district. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes stopping nearby. The nearest train station, Leicester railway station, is approximately a 15-minute walk away. For those traveling by car, there are several paid parking options available nearby, including a wheelchair-accessible car park on New Walk.

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to all visitors. The museum offers wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet facilities, as well as an on-site lift to assist with mobility. Additionally, the museum provides free access to visitors with disabilities and their carers.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The museum is housed in a stunning Grade II listed building, which was originally constructed as a public library in the late 19th century. The building's striking architecture features a blend of Gothic and Italianate styles, with intricate stone carvings and elaborate stained-glass windows.
• Café and Restaurant: The museum's on-site restaurant, The Art Gallery Café, offers a relaxed and inviting space in which to enjoy a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. The café overlooks the museum's beautiful gardens and provides an ideal setting for visitors to refuel and recharge during their visit.
• Gardens and Grounds: The museum's picturesque gardens and grounds provide a tranquil oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. The gardens feature a mix of formal and informal planting, with trees, shrubs, and flowering plants providing a haven for local wildlife. The gardens also host various events throughout the year, including outdoor performances and art installations.

Practical Information

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4:30 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays when it opens from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission to the museum is free, allowing visitors to explore the various exhibits and galleries at no cost.

For visitors with young children, the museum offers a range of family-friendly facilities, including baby changing facilities, a dedicated play area, and interactive exhibits designed to engage and educate children. The museum also provides a variety of resources and activities for families, including activity trails, art carts, and craft workshops.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.5/5 from over 4,400 reviews on Google My Business, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery enjoys widespread praise for its engaging and informative exhibits, as well as its welcoming and accessible atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the museum's diverse collection, with one reviewer raving, "There is so much to see and do here, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art. It's a fantastic place for all ages."

Other positive aspects highlighted in the reviews include the museum's excellent facilities, such as the on-site café and wheelchair-accessible toilets, as well as the friendly and helpful staff who are always on hand to assist visitors. A particularly glowing review praised the museum's educational programs, stating, "The activities and workshops for kids are brilliant. My little ones always come away having learned something new and having had a great time."

In conclusion, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, or culture. With its extensive collection of artifacts and artworks, engaging educational programs, and stunning architecture, the museum offers a truly enriching and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist exploring the city, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure not to be missed.

👍 Reviews of Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

Miss L.

5/5

Absolutely fantastic 👏
We rondomy decided had a look others reviews we thought lets give a try didn't seem anything too much. BUT we where pretty impressed. A lot for kids also designed to make them pay attention on details. Well done 👏 Definitely recommend. 😇
P.s. my pre teen was apparently too big for doing Elmars trails. So I did instead. I loved it. 😍

MUSTAFA F.

5/5

I had a wonderful visit to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, ranging from ancient history and natural science to fine art and local heritage. The dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian and Sumerian artifacts were particular highlights both educational and visually stunning.

The layout is easy to follow, and the displays are well-organized with informative labels. It's clear that a lot of care has gone into preserving and presenting the collections. I also enjoyed the art galleries upstairs, which featured both classical and contemporary works.
The museum is free entry.

Alex S.

5/5

Pretty decent museum to touch a piece of ancient history. Seems well maintained, not much to see unfortunately but there is no entry fee.. which is not bad

Lenocka C.

5/5

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is located in 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA. It is free. On the day of our visit, we could explore the world of dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, collections of paintings from Germany, stories of Leicester, Ancient Egyptian mummies, etc. We enjoyed the creation of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee, which was exhibited in Leicester. We drew our own characters and coloured the picture of Elmer. There are vending machines with snacks and drinks and tables where you may have a rest. There is also a souvenir shop. Thank you for your service.

Indi

4/5

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is a great museum that exceeded our expectations. Immaculately clean with beautifully curated exhibits, it offers something for everyone.
The dinosaur displays immediately grabbed my attention, complete with engaging interactive stations that made learning fun. The museum also features great play areas, including a dressing-up section where you can snap photos in front of an art frame for those who like that kind of thing. Upstairs, the snake exhibit was a real highlight, complete with fun weight scales and surprise snake facts.
The helpful staff enhanced the experience, and the free entry is a huge bonus. There’s also a nice gift shop worth a visit.
While there’s no on-site parking, nearby city car parks are just a 10 minute walk.
Overall A enjoyable and educating outing.

Hayley

5/5

This is not the first time I’ve visited Leicester museum and art gallery. It’s a lovely little trip out for the day and the kids seem always love the dinosaurs 🦕. Interesting and nice museum to visit for all ages. They do different events during some of the months which gives it a new lease of life when you pay it a visit .
The event that’s was on , on our last visit was about snakes which i and my grandson throughly enjoyed. There’s interactive areas for children , small play bit . And the mummy’s always seem of interest to the young minds even my grandson who’s a toddler .
Cafe area isn't the best as it machine coffee but has a lovely seating area .

N A.

5/5

Amazing free museum, great for dates, with kids or alone.

I've been coming to this place since I was a child and it's a gem of Leicester!

Clive G.

5/5

Lovely visit with free entry. Varied exhibits from dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies to delightful art exhibits upstairs