Everyone is welcome to join in at the Royal Armouries at our Queer-ying the museum event to celebrate the end of LGBTQ+ history month, which explores the Royal Armouries collection through a queer perspective.
From a museum mansplaining drag king and self-defence workshop, to queer history tours of our collection and thought-provoking talks, there’s a host of activities for everyone to enjoy.
The Royal Armouries presents an action-packed week of combat demos, special effects shows, catwalks, plus meet and greets with your favourite costumed characters.
The following free activities will be available throughout the day. We recommend you book your free entry tickets in advance.
Superhero Meet & Greet: Get a selfie with your favourite Superhero
Daily 11am to 11:30am, 12pm to 1230pm, 2pm to 230pm, 3pm to 330pm
Superhero Academy: Do you have what it takes to be a Superhero?
Join our expert team for this new in-depth talk exploring changing attitudes to sex, attraction and contraception.
Honey, crocodile dung and that old faithful, the post-coital coughing fit. It’s fair to say our idea of reliable contraception (and how regularly we use it) has changed over the years.
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 February half-term is all about blood – what exactly is it, and what does it do? Take part in science shows, trails, craft activities and - if you’re feeling brave – our infamous hands-on heart dissection workshops!
Ever wanted to try your hand at surgery? Our popular series of hands-on experiences for families is back for a limited time this half term.
Every day the average heart beats approximately 115,000 times as it pumps over 2,000 litres of blood around your body. Our team of experts will talk you through the inner workings of this vital organ, in this unique opportunity for families to step into the shoes of a medical student and find out first-hand what it’s like to dissect a real heart*.
Come along and find Owly and his friends hidden around the Museum.
They have answers to questions all about owls in a family quiz and word search.
Price £2 to cover printing costs and to support the Museum.
There might even be a tweat… a treat for those who complete the quiz.
Workshop for home educated children.
Learn about the life and religion of the Ancient Greeks. This workshop also includes a tour of our store where we care for over 1 million objects.
Recommended ages 6-14 years. Please book a ticket for all children 6 years and over (£5 per ticket). If you are bringing younger siblings, please email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk so we can check that we have space. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Come with us on an enchanting Christmas journey as Thackray is transformed into a stunning winter wonderland throughout December.
‘Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the land
The sick were still cared for, by an NHS hand.'
Poisons: the perfect remedy or a recipe for disaster?
This October half-term, we’re brewing up a wickedly fun programme all about the perils – and the perks – of poisons!
In Victorian Leeds, poison was commonplace – Arsenic was found in beer, Strychnine treated funny tummies and Cyanide was in the wallpaper!
Today, there are more than 100 toxic plants growing in the UK alone. So, which fatal flora could be lurking in your garden?
Calling all junior detectives! We need your help to solve a cold case.
If you’re up for the challenge visit the Royal Armouries Museum this October half term.
You’ll be issued with a crime file on arrival, then your quest begins. Visit the crime scene and collect your evidence. Track down the suspects and find out what you can with some careful questioning. Take your evidence to the forensic lab and see if you’ve solved the case.
This is a free event. Please pre-book your tickets to guarantee your visit, see Tickets below.