What's on at Abbey House Museum

Discover our range of events and exhibitions coming up at Abbey House Museum.

We have plenty of family-friendly sessions and school holiday activities, as well as adult study days, curator talks and community events.

Exhibitions

The Power of Persuasion

Abbey House Museum | 20 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 | Take a nostalgic and critical look at the history of advertising and branding in Leeds and beyond.

Revive, Repair, Re-use: Stories of Sustainability

Abbey House Museum | Until 9 Mar 2025 | A display co-curated with volunteers about the practices and effects of sustainability in Leeds.

Events

Victorian streets

Step back in time and wander through the enchanting streets, shops and houses to experience life as a Victorian in Leeds.

Our realistic Victorian streets include Stephen Harding Gate, the 19th century equivalent of a modern high street. You can also visit a traditional Victorian drinking house called Hark to Rover Inn, and see objects dating back over 100 years from our collection. Compare the standards of living with today, and discover how people lived, worked and were educated in Victorian England.

You can also explore the poorer residential district of Abbey Fold, which looks at life and death in Victorian times. Think about how different people washed their clothes, warmed their homes, and entertained themselves compared to the richer residents. How does the warm comfortable home of the successful pawnbroker compare to the chilly premises of the poor undertakers?

Childhood Galleries

Explore our Childhood Galleries upstairs in the museum with our growing collection of toys, memorabilia and nostalgia. See a fascinating range of toys, games and 19th century dolls on display. Spot iconic toys from your childhood and see how they have changed throughout the years.
The museum is also home to a large collection of reconditioned original penny slot machines, some of which are still in excellent working order. You can buy an old fashioned penny from the vending machine to play on the slot machines and see how people in the 19th century were entertained.

Play and relax in the museum with a selection of toys and books to enjoy in our comfortable spaces, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to while away an afternoon!