A City and its Welcome: Three Centuries of Migrating to Leeds

Many people have come to Leeds to start a new life, including those escaping famine in Ireland in the 1800s, those seeking work opportunities, and today’s refugees arriving in our City of Sanctuary.

‘A city and its welcome’ tells the stories and experiences of those who have made a home in Leeds over the past three centuries, and how they have helped shape the city that we recognise today. Come on a journey with us  to see the differences between their hopes and expectations and the realities of life in a new place, plus treasured objects brought from afar.

In 2019 Leeds City Museum will be telling a number of migration stories in our community galleries.

Community Corridor

18 Jun – 16 Sept

Picture My World

A selection of artworks produced by young people who have recently arrived in Leeds. The group have drawn on their personal experiences of migration, safety, identity and belonging.

A partnership with My Bright Kite

17 Sept – 5 Jan 2020

Untold Stories – the Irish in Leeds

There has been a substantial Irish community in Leeds for almost 200 years. Today, around 50,000 people living in Leeds are of Irish descent. This display will explore their lives in Leeds through photographs and stories.

A partnership with Leeds Irish Arts Foundation

Community Cases

24 May – Spring 2020

Moving Here: Making a Home in Leeds

Each person who moves to Leeds brings something unique with them. This display explores personal stories of some of Leeds’ migrant communities, and looks at what they brought with them to make a home in Leeds.

We will be running free talks, events and activities for the rest of the year, which have been inspired by the exhibition.

Find us on social media and tag us with #migrationstories