Leeds Art Gallery Curator Talk

A monthly conversation-style tour led by a museum curator who discusses specific artworks, exhibition themes, and the gallery's permanent collection. Curators explain artistic techniques, historical context, and why certain works are displayed. Small groups (max 15) make this intimate and allow questions. Tours rotate themes monthly, so regular visitors see different perspectives on the same collection. Best for art enthusiasts and students. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: max 15. You meet at Leeds Art Gallery entrance hall. Key highlights: Speak directly with museum curators about artworks and collection philosophy, Learn about lesser-known pieces and why they're significant, Understand artistic technique and historical context from experts.

Price: £12

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: art enthusiasts and students

Best time: Second Saturday afternoons. Both 2pm and 3:30pm sessions available. Weekday mornings quieter but tours only run on Saturdays.

Meeting point: Leeds Art Gallery entrance hall

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

2:00pm Gather at entrance hall - Curator introduces themselves and explains the day's focus before group moves to first artwork.

First 15 min Opening remarks on today's theme - Curator provides historical or thematic context for the works you'll discuss.

15-45 min Standing discussions at selected artworks - Move between 4-6 pieces with detailed explanations and pauses for visitor questions.

45-55 min Interactive Q&A session - Curator invites deeper questions about technique, acquisition history, or curatorial decisions.

Final 5 min Gallery recommendation and dismissal - Curator suggests additional works worth viewing independently or recommends next month's theme.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Leeds Art Gallery entrance hall.

• Speak directly with museum curators about artworks and collection philosophy
• Learn about lesser-known pieces and why they're significant
• Understand artistic technique and historical context from experts
• Small group size (max 15) allows personal conversation
• Rotating monthly themes mean different gallery perspectives each time
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible throughout gallery. Staff can arrange priority access. Large print materials available on request.

What is included: Expert curator for full 1 hour, Access to selected galleries and artworks, Museum entry.

Not included: Food and drink, Printed materials or catalogues, Photographs (check with curator). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Notebook and pen for notes, Comfortable shoes for standing, Reading glasses if you need them for artwork labels. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Second Saturday afternoons. Both 2pm and 3:30pm sessions available. Weekday mornings quieter but tours only run on Saturdays..

Tip: Second Saturday each month

Tip: Limited to 15 people

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible throughout gallery. Staff can arrange priority access. Large print materials available on request..

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

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Leeds City Markets (5 min walk walk)
• Hyde Park Picture House (15 min walk walk)
• Leeds Corn Exchange (3 min walk walk)

This activity is run by Leeds Museums.

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

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 7 days before. Tours run second Saturday of each month at 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Book in advance as spots fill quickly..

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible throughout gallery. Staff can arrange priority access. Large print materials available on request..

Best time to go: Second Saturday afternoons. Both 2pm and 3:30pm sessions available. Weekday mornings quieter but tours only run on Saturdays..

Do I need to know about art to join the curator talk?

No prior art knowledge needed. Curators design talks for general audiences and experts alike. Explanations cover art history, technique, and cultural context. Questions are encouraged. Many visitors attend multiple times to learn different perspectives on the same works.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Book at least 1 week in advance as spots are limited to 15 people and tours fill quickly. Booking opens 4 weeks before each second Saturday. Two sessions run (2pm and 3:30pm) so you may have multiple options.

What's the difference between this and self-guided touring?

Curators provide insider knowledge about why artworks are selected, their acquisition stories, and connections between pieces. You learn interpretation and context that isn't on gallery labels. The conversation format allows you to ask about specific works that interest you personally.