Leeds Museum Discovery Centre (previously known as the Museum Resource Centre) is located at Clarence Dock near to the River Aire in Leeds.
Because of the large space that the center provides, there are a great number of collections which are not able to be displayed at any other museum. The Discovery Centre combines large collections of Leeds museums and galleries, situated in seven main areas and consisting of over a million objects. These unique collections are products of archaeology, geology, anthropology, social history and natural science.
The archaeological items are represented by Greek and Egyptian cultures, medals, coins, firearms, armour, costumes, textiles and photographs. The Natural Science sector is full of mineral, fossils, shells, mammals, birds and insects.
In the Social History section you can see various items that show the atmosphere of past styles of living, from early washing machines and mangles to scooters, buttons and toys.
There is a sector on World Cultures composed of subjects that represent the history of societies all over the world such as sculptures, artifacts, domestic items and weapons. Some of the most popular treasures at the centre include aboriginal art and African masks, ancient Egyptian tomb items that are over 2,000 years old, the skeletons of extinct animals such as the Tasmanian tiger and the New Zealand moa bird, as well as a great costume and toy collection.
Leeds Museum Discovery Centre also houses education and learning facilities,as well as hosting events for school groups and parties. The facilities include a shop, meeting rooms and a library. In the educational rooms, students can learn the history and the meaning behind every object within the centre, how it can be used and what its purpose is.
During school holidays, and some weekends, the centre arrange Family Fun Days, when visitors can participate in arts and craft activities.
The nature of the artifacts at the Discovery Centre means that it is necessary that their condition is carefully preserved and protected: the storage facility of the centre has five control zones, each of which is operated to keep the right atmospheric conditions by observing the temperature status as well as light controls; they are also able to protect the areas from insect invasions, infections and damp!
It is important for visitors to know that, because of the limited admission to the Leeds Museum Discovery Centre, the best way to visit the building is to book in advance.
Admission is free to the Discovery Centre.
Address:
Leeds Museum Discovery Centre
Carlisle Road
Leeds
LS10 1LB
Tel: 01132 141548
Opening times are 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, but entry is not guaranteed without pre-booking.