Culture

Leeds history

Leeds is a city rich in heritage. Leeds City Museum takes you through the city's 800 year history with hands-on and audio-visual displays, exhibitions and interactive games.

Leeds is also home to the Royal Armouries which displays part of the national collection of arms and armour and holds many treasures including the world's only suit of elephant armour. The museum also runs visitor events including falconry displays, horse shows, and jousting combats. 

Leeds art

Leeds City Art Gallery houses a world-class collection of 20th century British art. The gallery includes work by: 

• Francis Bacon
• Stanley Spencer
• Henry Moore
• Barbara Hepworth

It has a beautifully restored Victorian tiled hall café.

Our own gallery, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Art Gallery showcases the University's outstanding art collection, including work by Sir Henry Moore, John Singer Sargent and William Etty and holds regular exhibitions.

For more information about Leeds' visitor attractions please visit Leeds City Council's museums and galleries website

Theatre

Leeds is home to one of the UK's largest regional repertory theatres, the West Yorkshire Playhouse. It has an international reputation for producing exciting new work and has strong connections with major writers such as John Godber and Alan Bennett. Its award-winning productions attract leading performers such as Dr Who actor Christopher Eccleston, Patrick Stewart and Lenny Henry.

Leeds Grand Theatre is a splendid Victorian theatre which has major touring productions, as well as acclaimed productions from Northern Ballet and award-winning Opera North

In 2005 Leeds Civic Arts Guild, an organisation of 15 local amateur performing groups, found a home in a new city centre state-of-the-art theatre known as The Carriageworks. The theatre has an exciting mixture of drama, musicals, dance, pantomime, exhibitions and community events.

City Varieties is a rare surviving example of a Victorian music hall and home to the nostalgic 'good old days' show. Its programme of popular entertainment includes top comedy performers and musicians and pantomime. This Grade II listed building is currently being refurbished and will open again in the autumn of 2010.

The University also has its very own licensed theatre space, stage@leeds