The 7 Best Specialty Museums in Leeds, England

Explore the history of writing from hand to print. Follow the journey from an ancient Babylonian clay tablet to the unique beauty of modern artists' books. Gain insight into the imagination and creativity of acclaimed authors and poets. See handwritten materials by the Brontes, Elizabeth Gaskell and Evelyn Waugh, alongside manuscripts by the finest contemporary writers. Join explorers and pioneers in political, medical and social history through their notebooks, pamphlets and posters. Part of Leeds University Library Galleries, the gallery permanently displays treasures from the library's Special Collections. The gallery also offers original changing exhibitions twice a year, exploring a subject in depth. These exhibitions weave and reveal the stories held in the items and objects held in Special Collections. The gallery has a lively programme of public events, including talks, hands-on activities, and craft workshops. Admission to the Gallery is free to all

Home to a million wonders... Leeds Discovery Centre is the city's purpose built museum storage and conservation facility. Based at Clarence Dock near Leeds city centre, the Discovery Centre provides access to the collections and is a fantastic resource for schools, educational groups and researchers. From toucans to telephones, meteorites and masks, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Home for the national collection of arms and armour that features five theme-galleries: War, Tournament, Self-Defense, Hunting, and arms and armour of the Orient.

Housed in what was once the world's largest woollen mill, Leeds Industrial Museum houses a wealth of gems located in a beautiful riverside setting. Step back in time to learn about the industrial history of Leeds from manufacturing textiles and clothing to printing, engineering and locomotives, which the city was world famous for.

After completing our exciting four-million-pound redevelopment, we can’t wait for visitors to explore our new galleries. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world. We’ll be operating a timed entry system so booking is essential.

Did you know M&S was born in Leeds? Discover our story and unlock the fascinating journey that has made M&S one of Britain's best loved retailers. Explore our Marks In Time Exhibition and uncover some fascinating facts from over 130 years of M&S history: Did you know that we sold our first bra in 1926? How about that our scientists worked with the government during WW2 to help with rationing strategy? Or even that when we were one of the first to introduce 'avocado pears' in 1959 one customer tried to serve it as a dessert with custard? From the clothes we wear to the food we eat the Marks In Time Exhibition showcases the M&S Company Archive collection, tracking the development of the business from 1884 to the present day. Not only is our exhibition completely free, we also welcome groups as part of our free Group Travel programme, and run schools and events programmes - see our website for more information.

Leeds City Museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all the family. There are six galleries for you to visit as well as a changing programme of family friendly exhibitions, please see our website for our latest exhibitions.Come and find the Leeds Tiger in the Life on Earth Gallery or get interactive by camouflaging yourself. Discover the mummy of Nesyammun in the Ancient Worlds Gallery or try a game of Greek Gods and Goddesses Top Trumps. Explore the history of Leeds in the Leeds Story Gallery, from the first archaeological finds to changing community displays reflecting people’s lives in the city today. Investigate the varied collections of Leeds Museums and Galleries in the Collectors Cabinet Gallery. Find out more about world cultures in the World View Gallery, which has a new theme for 2014 of the Voices of Asia. All that in one building!