Thackray Museum of Medicine
Leeds, West Yorkshire
About Thackray Museum of Medicine
Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. We inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare of the past, present and future. Through play, creativity and experiences we celebrate our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers.
Immerse yourself in our Thackray Museum's new and exciting galleries, from the history of healthcare to the advances that have shaped the way we look after ourselves, and each other.
Wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world.
Thackray Museum is also home to the under-fives play area, Sparks! You will love this attraction if you're looking for a friendly, fabulous and affordable soft play area in Leeds.
The UK's largest independent medical museum
Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. We inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare of the past, present and future. Through play, creativity and experiences we celebrate our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers.
Immerse yourself in our imaginative and exciting galleries, from the history of healthcare to the advances that have shaped the way we look after ourselves, and each other. Wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world.
Our work with our local East Leeds community has led to the museum being awarded a special commendation at the 2023 European Museum of the Year Awards – the only UK organisation to be nominated – and being an ArtFund Museum of the Year finalist.
SPARKS! Interactive Play for Under-5s
Under-fives can explore the senses of sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell in the roleplay medical centre. Crawl through the digestive system and find your way out down the poo slide in our exciting softplay area!
Our museum café sells a range of delicious drinks, food and snacks for your family. During school holidays we also have indoor and outdoor picnic spaces available too.
Explore a different medical topic every school holiday
From medicine at sea to poisonous plants, Thackray Museum uses creativity and play to learn about a different medical theme every school holiday.
When there's a school holiday, there's always something at Thackray! Science shows, history shows, crafts, talks, tours and trails.
Check our What's On page to see what's next.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
The museum offers quiet openings on the last Sunday of each month from 10am–11am when the lights will be up and the sounds down. You can download a copy of our gallery map, which includes some sensory information and other details here.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-16) : £8.95
- Adult (17-18+) : £11.95
- Babies and Toddlers (0-5) : Free
General AdmissionAdults (17+): £11.95Kids (5-16): £8.95Family from £18.00 Under 5s: Free10% Concession discount available
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
After your whirlwind tour through the history of medicine, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our café serves healthy, locally sourced family favourites, from sweet treats to sandwiches and pastries.
Our barista-served coffee is provided by North Star Coffee Roasters, complimented by pastries from Balterzersens and our growing list of savoury bites such as local samosas and pork pies.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Thackray Museum of Medicine
141 Beckett Street
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS9 7LN
England
Tel: 0113 244 4343
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
If you’re coming by public transport, hop on bus numbers 16, 42, 49, 50, or 50A from Leeds City Centre – they all stop right outside our museum.
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Thackray Museum of Medicine Reviews
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