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Monday 11am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

York Castle Museum

Name: York Castle Museum
Address: Eye of York, York, YO19RY, GB
Telephone: 01904 687687
Price range: ££

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York Castle Museum - the best day out in history! The museum’s name comes from the fact it stands on the site of the former York Castle.

The York Castle Museum was founded by Dr John Kirk, a doctor from Pickering, North Yorkshire, and houses his extraordinary collection of social history reflecting everyday life in the county. One of its renowned displays is the reconstructed Victorian street, Kirkgate, that has been hugely influential in museum displays worldwide. The York Castle Museum is housed in a former debtors’ prison and an

adjoining former women’s prison, both of which are Grade I listed. Find out more: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

15/06/2026

This Refugee Week at York Museums Trust, we're celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary through a programme of activities inspired by this year's theme: Courage.

🔗 Find out what's on and how to get involved via our latest blog: https://www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/blog/refugee-week-at-york-museums-trust/

With thanks to the University of York and RAY - Refugee Action York for funding this programme, and to Refugee Week for this year's inspiring national campaign.

10/06/2026

Join us for Summer at York Castle Museum! 💐🎈☀️

This summer, experience a grand day out reminiscent of York’s iconic summers across two centuries.

From the Victorian York Gala, an annual tradition for 60 years, to the swinging Sixties, a pivotal decade for the city, our programme will immerse you in history and nostalgia filled with entertainers, games and crafts, music, floral displays and seasonal decor.

All summer activities are suitable for all ages and included in general admission. Pay once, visit free all year!

🗓️ 22 June – 6 September 2026

🔗 Book now at: https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/exhibition/summer-at-york-castle-museum-2026/

29/05/2026

Ready for York LGBT+ Pride 2026 tomorrow? 🎉

This year, York Museums Trust will be at the Knavesmire throughout the day with our own stall celebrating the LGBT+ stories connected to our collections.

Come and say hello and take part in our free activity where you can print your own badge! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

28/05/2026

Our partners at YORK Travellers Trust are hosting a special screening of A Basket Full of Eggs 🎬

The film follows Romani filmmaker Liza Mortimer as she explores archival collections in search of her great-grandmother, uncovering stories of Romani voices, music and cultural influence along the way.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Hazel Marsh, producer on the film and Professor of Cultural Politics at the University of East Anglia.

Taking place during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, this event offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate and learn about Romani heritage, storytelling and history.

📅 Tuesday 2 June

🕜 1.30pm–3pm

🔗 Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-screening-of-a-basket-full-of-eggs-tickets-1990465175923?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/05/2026

What a night! ⚽🎉

We were delighted to welcome the York City FC team, and an incredible turnout of fans, to York Castle Museum for yesterday evening’s celebrations on the Eye of York.

A huge congratulations to the Minstermen on becoming National League Champions. 🏆

It was fantastic to see the city come together to celebrate such a special achievement and we’re looking forward to cheering the team on again next season. ❤️💙

01/05/2026

It's the first day of May! To celebrate May Day we're taking a look at a traditional dress in our collection used for maypole dancing. Do you have any favourite May Day memories? 🌷

28/04/2026

A huge congratulations to York City Football Club for their league win over the weekend! 🏆

Yorkie was on his victory lap around the city and visited Kirkgate to celebrate Victorian-style. We were thrilled to see him and mark the occasion, well done to all the club and players at York City FC ⚽

23/04/2026

It’s our birthday! 🎂🎈

Today marks 88 years since York Castle Museum opened to the public in 1938. The museum was created when Dr John Lamplugh Kirk donated his collection of bygones to the city of York.

Kirk grew up experiencing Victorian industrialisation and built his collection to preserve what he saw as a vanishing way of life. He collected a wide range of objects, many of which represented preindustrial and rural traditions.

These postcards capture some of the museum’s early displays of Dr Kirk’s collection.

Do you recognise any of the gallery spaces or objects? 👀

16/04/2026

We’re delighted to be partnering with York Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre this summer, who will be putting on some very special promenade performances on our recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate. 🎭

From 9-11 July, the 11-14 year-old Youth Theatre groups will be performing Forward To Victory, a powerful play written by Rachel Barnett-Jones focusing on young people in York during the First World War.

🔗 Their fun weekly drama sessions are now open for bookings, find out more at:
https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/be-part-of-it/children-and-young-people/youth-theatre/

📷 James Drury Photography

09/04/2026

How did I do? 😃

Address

Eye Of York
York
YO19RY

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

01904 687687

Website

http://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/

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