Step into the Arena – the Gladiators are Coming to Leeds!

Unleash your inner warrior at Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum - a blockbuster international exhibition storming into the Royal Armouries Museum for summer 2025. See rare Roman artefacts from Pompeii and the Colosseum, discover the gruelling training, battle tactics, and fame of the ancient world’s fiercest fighters, and immerse yourself in the roar of the crowd with thrilling interactive experiences. This is more than history - it’s blood, grit, glory… and you’re on the front row.

Discover our exhibition with something for all the family. Enjoy free refreshments and try our kids' exhibition trail to claim your free pack of mini Percy Pig cookies!*

Why not bring a packed lunch to eat in our indoor picnic space?

Booking Details: No need to book, just drop in – it’s all free!

*One M&S Percy Pig cookies mini-bag per child

To mark the release of the video game DOOM: The Dark Ages, games publisher Bethesda has partnered with the Royal Armouries museum to feature the Slayeux Tapesty. 

Inspired by the famed Bayeux Tapestry, the display uses iconic imagery to depict the dynamic battles featured in the upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages, which is being developed by id Software. 

Did you know your brain contains 400 miles of blood vessels? That’s like running from Thackray Museum to Land’s End! And while you’re reading this, your body’s already made 26 million red blood cells—impressive, right?

This May half-term is all about blood – what exactly is it, and what does it do? Take part in science shows, trails and craft activities, all free with your museum ticket.

Come and find out why the red stuff is the best stuff with a host of activities for all the family, and all free with your museum ticket.

Thackray Science Live

It’s tournament time again at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.  

Over the Easter bank holiday weekend, we will be welcoming international teams of knights from Germany and the USA, as well as our home-grown Royal Armouries team competing for the UK. 

This is no choreographed show of ‘black’ and ‘white’ knights in a contrived battle of good versus evil – this is full-on, all-out authentic competition with thrills and spills, victory and honour, plus plenty of pomp and pageantry. 

It's going to be an action-packed Easter at the Royal Armouries Museum, with dangerously entertaining combat demonstrations and battle stories, plus you can explore the amazing national collection of arms and armour. 

Plan your day.

There’ll be live performances, including armoured combats, and battle stories throughout the day, and you might even get the chance to handle a medieval sword. 

11am -  Talk and object handling 

12pm -  Combat 

1pm -  Battle story 

2pm -  Combat 

This Easter, we ate and left no crumbs. We’re stuffed with two weeks of mouth-watering activities about food, glorious food!

Why does your tummy keep grumbling? Why does your mouth water? And why do you get those cravings?

We’ll be investigating all your must-know foodie facts, using live science shows, workshops and restaurant roleplay. You’ll even get some recipes to try at home!

We’re showing the whole family why it’s okay to trust your taste buds, so you can come away feeling full, refreshed and happy with the choices you make.