Behind the Scenes Museum Tour

An exclusive tour of Leeds City Museums' off-site collection storage facility and conservation laboratories. Visitors see artifacts not on public display, learn how museums catalog and preserve objects, and handle pieces under conservator supervision. The Discovery Centre holds over 500,000 items. Tours are offered only once monthly and require advance booking. This tour attracts museum professionals, collectors, and deeply curious visitors. Best for museum professionals and enthusiasts. This is a moderate activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: max 12. You meet at Leeds Discovery Centre. Key highlights: Handle museum artifacts under conservator supervision, Walk through climate-controlled storage holding 500,000+ items, Watch conservation work in progress.

Price: £22

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 12

Minimum age: 16+

Best for: museum professionals and enthusiasts

Best time: Monthly tours announced 6 weeks in advance. Tours held mid-month on Saturdays. Book immediately when slots open as max 12 spots fill within days.

Meeting point: Leeds Discovery Centre

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

1:00pm Meet at Discovery Centre reception - Security briefing and introduction to storage facility protocols before entering archive areas.

First 20 min Overview of Leeds collections - Guide explains what the Discovery Centre holds, how materials are organized, and conservation philosophy.

20-60 min Walk through storage galleries - See shelving systems, climate control systems, and thousands of artifacts in climate-controlled archival storage.

60-100 min Conservation laboratory visit - Observe conservators at work preserving textiles, ceramics, and paintings. Discussion of conservation techniques and challenges.

100-140 min Hands-on artifact handling - Under close supervision, handle selected artifacts from the collection while conservators explain care and significance.

Final 10 min Q&A with curatorial staff - Question conservators and curators about specific preservation problems or collection acquisition decisions.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Leeds Discovery Centre.

• Handle museum artifacts under conservator supervision
• Walk through climate-controlled storage holding 500,000+ items
• Watch conservation work in progress
• Learn cataloging systems and preservation standards
• Access areas completely off-limits to general public
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible in storage areas. Some narrow aisles between shelving. Conservator permission required for mobility aids. Tour requires standing for 2.5 hours with minimal seating.

What is included: Expert guide and conservator for full 2.5 hours, Full access to storage facility and labs, Hands-on handling of selected artifacts, Security briefing and safety protocols.

Not included: Museum entry to public galleries (Discovery Centre not open to general public), Food and drink, Photography (generally prohibited in storage). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable closed-toe shoes, Notepad for questions, Light layers (storage areas kept at cool temperature). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Monthly tours announced 6 weeks in advance. Tours held mid-month on Saturdays. Book immediately when slots open as max 12 spots fill within days..

Tip: Monthly tours only

Tip: Advance booking essential

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible in storage areas. Some narrow aisles between shelving. Conservator permission required for mobility aids. Tour requires standing for 2.5 hours with minimal seating..

Operator: Leeds City Museums | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 113 243 5040

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Royal Armouries Museum (10 min walk walk)
• Leeds-Liverpool Canal (5 min walk walk)
• Kirkstall Abbey (20 min walk walk)

This activity is run by Leeds City Museums.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Non-refundable once booked. Tours available only once per month. Cancellations require 10 days notice for possible rescheduling..

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible in storage areas. Some narrow aisles between shelving. Conservator permission required for mobility aids. Tour requires standing for 2.5 hours with minimal seating..

Best time to go: Monthly tours announced 6 weeks in advance. Tours held mid-month on Saturdays. Book immediately when slots open as max 12 spots fill within days..

Why is advance booking so crucial?

Tours only run once monthly with maximum 12 participants for safety and artifact preservation. The Discovery Centre operates as a secure archive, not public facility. Security screening requires advance notice. Tour slots sell out within days of announcement, often within 24 hours.

Can I photograph the artifacts and storage areas?

Photography is generally prohibited in archival storage areas for preservation and security reasons. Some designated areas may allow photos. Conservators advise on case-by-case basis. Bring notebook instead for detailed notes on specific items.

What types of items can I handle?

Conservators select 5-8 artifacts suitable for public handling, typically ceramics, textiles, or small sculptures. Fragile items like paintings or delicate glass cannot be handled. You'll wear cotton gloves and handle under direct supervison. Conservators explain why certain pieces are stable enough to touch.