Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
Ages
5-16 yrs
Price
Free
Typical visit
~45 mins
Located within the historic Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds, this intimate art gallery showcases an eclectic and fascinating collection of artefacts, manuscripts and curiosities. The small but mighty collection tells the story of the university and includes some genuinely unexpected treasures - from historical documents to cultural oddities that spark conversation and curiosity. It's a wonderful free option for families wanting to explore something a bit different and introduce children to the wonderful world of museums and university heritage.
Facilities
What to bring
- A notebook and pencil so children can sketch or note down their favourite discoveries
- A small torch or phone torch to help see details in display cases
- A camera or smartphone to capture interesting finds to discuss later
- Hand sanitiser for before and after handling any objects (if permitted)
- A water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit
Top tips
- This is a gem for curious minds - encourage children to pick one object that fascinates them and make up a story about its history
- The building itself is beautiful and historic, so take time to appreciate the architecture and let children explore the wider Brotherton Library space if permitted
- Pair this visit with a walk around the university campus or nearby parks to make a full morning out - it's a relatively quick visit so combine it with other local attractions
- Ask staff about any of the more unusual items in the collection - they often have fascinating stories behind the pieces that aren't on display labels
- Visit mid-week during quieter times for a more relaxed experience where children can take their time looking at items
Practical details
5-16 years
45 mins
Pushchair friendly
No dogs
Older children and teens will get more from the collection; younger children may find it a brief visit but the building itself is impressive.
Free admission
Closed Mondays and Sundays. Check ahead during university holidays for any special closures.
Accessibility
Tags
Location
Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT
LS2 9JT
University campus parking available; check university website for visitor parking details.