The New Walk Museum contains a vast collection of art, ethnographic items and natural history artifacts. Explore this family-friendly attraction and see authentic dinosaur remains, objects from ancient civilizations, exhibitions of fine art and wildlife displays.
Inaugurated in 1849 with donations from Leicester’s Literary and Philosophical Society, the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery is one of Leicester’s oldest public museums. Find the museum’s galleries spread over two floors in a striking heritage-protected building.
Go to the Dinosaur Gallery to view dinosaur skeletons such as the 49-foot (15-metre) long Rutland Dinosaur. Browse examples of Jurassic-era fossils showcased in world-famous naturalist Sir David Attenborough’s television series First Life.
Make your way to the Ancient Egypt Gallery to learn about the lifestyle of ancient Egyptians and study genuine mummified bodies. Marvel at paintings by Edgar Degas, Frederic Leighton and J.M.W. Turner at the Victorian Art Gallery. Come face-to-face with replicas of wildlife from the Antarctic, the Arctic and the world’s oceans at the hands-on Wild Space Gallery. The Den is an interactive exhibit designed especially for visitors aged 5 and under.
A major highlight of the second floor is the Picasso Ceramics: The Attenborough Collection. Admire around 150 Picasso-designed ceramics donated to the museum by the renowned actor Lord Richard Attenborough.
Survey a collection of 20th-century German expressionist art and a homage to Leicester-born designer and architect Ernest Gimson, a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Discover work by L.S. Lowry and Stanley Spencer among the drawings, paintings and prints of the Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery.
Find the museum situated along Leicester’s pedestrianized New Walk. The museum is just a 5-minute walk from Leicester Railway Station. Metered on-street parking is available at the museum and the adjacent New Walk Square. Other big city attractions, including Curve Theatre and Leicester Cathedral are less than a 15-minute walk away.
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery is open daily and admission is free. Ask at the reception about temporary exhibitions and special events, such as curator talks and concerts.
