News.

Royal Armouries Reopening

26th September 2020

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds reopened its doors to visitors on Wednesday 16 September following a six-month closure.

The first week of opening was a great success. Visitors to the museum were able to discover many of the treasures of the collection in the War, Oriental, Self-defence and Hunting Galleries. The spectacular Hall of Steel with its display of over 2,500 items of arms and armour was a top feature for many visitors. Other visit highlights included the elephant armour, a pair of “blasters” created for the original Star Wars film franchise and a complete 2,300 year-old Greek armour.

Costumed characters from throughout history have been on hand to greet visitors. Mark Jackson, Events and Informal Learning Manager said: “It is fantastic to see visitors discovering our museum again. After six months of working from home the live interpretation team were excited to be back in the museum and in costume entertaining audiences. The team will continue to be in the galleries each day to welcome visitors and to talk about our amazing collection.”

The first weekend was fully booked. Regulars were eager to return and first-time visitors wanted to find out what the museum had to offer. Feedback has been positive, including one visitor who said: “A big thank you to all staff, very difficult times but we were given a very warm welcome and we loved our visit”, and another visitor said: “The staff in different costumes are great and they really know about their armour.”

Visitors can find out what to expect in a visit to the museum by watching our reopening video on our website now. To help keep everyone safe masks must be worn in the museum and the Royal Armouries has developed its very own range of armour inspired face coverings which are for sale in the shop.

Visits to the museum are free, but must be prebooked online. Once at the museum, visitors can stay for as long as they like to explore the galleries, enjoy the café and browse in the shop.