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For the curious and the inquisitive in Leeds, there is plenty to stimulate the mind and occupy your time over the colder months at several museums in the city, with some taking place already and running until the new year.
For music fans, there’s a range of audible delights on offer, be it experimental, improvised music or the works of Charlie Mingus being lovingly performed by an outstanding jazz orchestra. Meanwhile, the social history of Leeds, from women in the Victorian age to a specialist study on crime and punishment, will also be the focus of several talks and exhibitions throughout the next few months.
Several institutions will be throwing open their backstage doors, allowing locals to check out the vast collections that haven’t made it into the public displays, and for those seeking more hands-on experiences, there are opportunities to create your own ‘zine,’ and a celebration of textiles and printworks in the city.
We’ve earmarked 25 exhibitions and events that caught our attention, with many included in the price of admission into the museums themselves; as ever, though, we recommend you check the relevant institution's website for more information and bookings, to avoid missing out - or being left out in the cold without a ticket.
So what’s keeping our minds stimulated over the winter months? Read on to find out our picks.
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7. Home Education: Amazing Animals Workshop (January 19)
This specially designed workshop offers home-schooled students a hands-on experience exploring the diverse animal specimens held in the city's collections. It's an interactive way for children to learn about natural history and conservation. 🔎 Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road. | Canva
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8. Thackray Insights Terrarium Making (January 24)
Join this creative workshop to learn the art of building and maintaining your own miniature ecosystem inside a glass container. All materials and guidance are provided in this relaxing session, linking the natural world with science and design. It’s a fantastic way to bring a little green life into your home during the winter months. 🔎 Thackray Museum of Medicine, Beckett Street. | Canva
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9. Artefact Handling for Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors (January 28)
A dedicated session offering blind and partially sighted visitors a unique opportunity to engage with historical items through touch and sound. This deeply sensory session offers a tactile connection to history that sighted visitors often take for granted. 🔎 Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square. | Canva
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10. Little Shoppers (January 30, February 27 and March 27)
A popular monthly play session for toddlers, designed to immerse children in the life of a Victorian street through play, dress-up, and interactive activities. This session is perfect for sensory exploration and imaginative historical play for pre-schoolers. 🔎 Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall. | Canva
11. Study Afternoon: Crime and Punishment (February 5)
Delve into the fascinating, and sometimes grim, history of the police, crime, and punishment right here in Leeds during this dedicated study afternoon. Visitors will get the chance to try out historical crime-fighting techniques, including hands-on fingerprinting sessions. 🔎 Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall. | Leeds Museums and Galleries
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12. Little Scientists (January 9, February 6 and March 6)
This monthly session encourages pre-school children to engage with basic scientific principles through fun, hands-on, and accessible museum activities. It’s a great way to spark early curiosity about the world and how things work. 🔎 Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall. | Canva