The Dinosaur Gallery
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Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

4.5
·4k reviews·, United Kingdom

Victorian museum showcasing dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and diverse art collections, all with free entry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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The Dinosaur Gallery

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Victorian museum showcasing dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and diverse art collections, all with free entry.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"A great museum that exceeded our expectations, offering something for everyone with free entry."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry Fun! :money_with_wings:

Enjoy the entire museum and art gallery without any admission fee. A fantastic budget-friendly option!

Stroll New Walk :walking:

Combine your visit with a walk along the beautiful New Walk, leading to cafes and shops.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Skeletons

Dinosaur Skeletons

Natural History Collection

Roar with excitement at impressive dinosaur skeletons and interactive displays that bring prehistoric giants to life.

Ancient Egyptian Mummies

Ancient Egyptian Mummies

Ancient Civilizations

Uncover the mysteries of ancient Egypt with fascinating artifacts and the captivating presence of mummies.

Art Galleries

Art Galleries

Upper Floors

Explore a diverse range of art, from classical to contemporary, showcasing local and international talent.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

Special Exhibitions

Delight in the colorful world of Elmer, with opportunities for creative activities and photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Rewards

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery offers free admission, making it an accessible gem. Plan your visit to maximize your experience, especially if you're interested in specific exhibits like the Egyptian mummies or dinosaur skeletons. Arrive early to avoid crowds, particularly on weekends.

Navigating New Walk

Located on the picturesque New Walk, the museum is part of a lovely area with cafes and shops. Consider combining your museum visit with a stroll along New Walk for a complete day out. Parking is not on-site, so factor in a short walk from city car parks.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
School groups may have left
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Can be busy, but lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This painting has been selected to be on display at the Leicester open exhibition at New Walk museum from the 15th Dec -31st Jan #portraitartist #hyperrealism #realismartist #oilpaintingportrait
@meg.m.artist
24.8K likes • 405.4K views

Free Entry Fun! :money_with_wings:

Enjoy the entire museum and art gallery without any admission fee. A fantastic budget-friendly option! Reddit

Stroll New Walk :walking:

Combine your visit with a walk along the beautiful New Walk, leading to cafes and shops. Reddit

follow the rockets and you'll find... not just a museum but a science and discovery centre with rockets, space suits, a piece of the moon, hands on activities and the UK's largest planetarium #thingstodo #leicester #dayout
@spacecentre
15.2K likes • 291.8K views
#leicester #universityofleicester #freshers #foryou #fyp
@user1793828382928
14.1K likes • 259.1K views

Interactive Learning :bulb:

Engage with hands-on activities, especially in the dinosaur exhibits, perfect for all ages. Reddit

Photo Ops Galore :camera:

Capture memories with fun dressing-up sections and art frames for unique photos. Reddit

The loaded fries are amazing 🤩 @Lumeré #fyp #foryoupagе #lumere #brunch #lumereleicester #placestoeatinleicester #brunchtok #cafe #leicester #FoodTok #matcha #coffee #placestoeat #brunchideas #frenchtoast #aestheticcafe #halalfood #halalfoodspots #halalplacestoeatinleicester #halalfoodleicester #halalbrunch #halalfoodie #viral_video #englishbreakfast #desibreakfast #newbusiness
@amaan_046
11.7K likes • 168.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry Fun! :money_with_wings:

Enjoy the entire museum and art gallery without any admission fee. A fantastic budget-friendly option! Reddit

Stroll New Walk :walking:

Combine your visit with a walk along the beautiful New Walk, leading to cafes and shops. Reddit

Interactive Learning :bulb:

Engage with hands-on activities, especially in the dinosaur exhibits, perfect for all ages. Reddit

Photo Ops Galore :camera:

Capture memories with fun dressing-up sections and art frames for unique photos. Reddit

Plan Your Route :map:

No on-site parking; city car parks are a short walk away. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Leicester Museum and Art Gallery for its free entry and diverse, well-curated exhibits, particularly the dinosaur and Egyptian collections. The interactive elements and family-friendly features are a big hit, making it an enjoyable outing for all ages. While some find the Leicester history section a bit overwhelming, the overall experience is highly positive, enhanced by the pleasant New Walk location.

"I had a wonderful visit to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, ranging from ancient history and natural science to fine art and local heritage. The dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian and Sumerian artifacts were particular highlights both educational and visually stunning.

The layout is easy to follow, and the displays are well-organized with informative labels. It's clear that a lot of care has gone into preserving and presenting the collections. I also enjoyed the art galleries upstairs, which featured both classical and contemporary works.
The museum is free entry."

MUSTAFA FARAJ

"Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is located in 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA. It is free. On the day of our visit, we could explore the world of dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, collections of paintings from Germany, stories of Leicester, Ancient Egyptian mummies, etc. We enjoyed the creation of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee, which was exhibited in Leicester. We drew our own characters and coloured the picture of Elmer. There are vending machines with snacks and drinks and tables where you may have a rest. There is also a souvenir shop. Thank you for your service."

Lenocka Ce

"Pretty decent museum to touch a piece of ancient history. Seems well maintained, not much to see unfortunately but there is no entry fee.. which is not bad"

Alex S

What People Like

Free admission
Dinosaur and Egyptian exhibits
Interactive displays

What People Dislike

Overwhelming history section

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several city car parks within a 10-minute walk. Reddit

No, there is no on-site parking at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. However, several public car parks are located within a short walking distance. Reddit

New Walk itself is a beautiful pedestrian promenade perfect for a leisurely stroll. It connects to various parts of the city center, offering access to cafes, shops, and other attractions. Reddit

Yes, the museum is well-served by local bus routes. Check with your local transport provider for the most convenient routes to the city center or New Walk. Reddit

While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum, many Victorian buildings are working to improve accessibility. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them for the latest information on ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is completely free! This makes it a fantastic option for a budget-friendly day out. Reddit

No, advance booking is generally not required for general admission as the museum is free. However, for special exhibitions or events, it's always a good idea to check the museum's website for any booking requirements. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Leicester Museum and Art Gallery website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures. Reddit

While general admission is free, some temporary or special exhibitions might have a separate charge or require pre-booking. Always check the museum's 'What's On' section online before your visit. Reddit

The gift shop and cafe operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. While entry to the museum is free, purchases made in the shop or cafe are additional costs. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include dinosaur skeletons, Ancient Egyptian and Sumerian artifacts, natural history collections, local Leicester history exhibits, and art galleries featuring classical and contemporary works. Reddit+1

Yes, the museum offers engaging activities for children, including interactive stations, a dressing-up section, and creative areas like drawing Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in art galleries or for temporary exhibitions. Reddit

Yes, there are vending machines with snacks and drinks, and tables where you can rest. Reddit While not a full restaurant, it provides options for refreshments. Reddit

A visit can range from 1-3 hours depending on your interests. If you plan to explore all collections thoroughly and enjoy the interactive elements, allocate more time. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography is allowed in most areas of the museum. However, always look out for signage indicating areas where photography is restricted, particularly for sensitive artworks or special exhibits. Reddit

The dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian artifacts, and the art galleries offer visually striking backdrops. The interactive dressing-up section also provides fun photo opportunities. Reddit

Flash photography is usually discouraged or prohibited in museums to protect the artifacts and artworks from damage. It's best to rely on natural light or your camera's low-light settings. Reddit

Visitors often enjoy taking pictures in front of the dinosaur displays and the Egyptian mummy cases. The interactive art frame for dressing up is also a popular spot for memorable photos. Reddit

Natural light from windows can be excellent in the art galleries. For exhibits like the dinosaurs or mummies, the museum's lighting is designed to showcase them effectively, so experiment with your camera settings.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic, free destination for families. The dinosaur skeletons and interactive stations are huge hits with children, making learning fun and engaging. Reddit The museum also features a dressing-up section where kids can have a blast taking photos in costumes, and creative areas like the one inspired by Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. Reddit

With free entry, it's an ideal spot for an affordable family outing. The layout is generally easy to navigate, and the variety of exhibits means there's something to capture every child's imagination. Remember to check for any specific family events or workshops that might be running during your visit.

Solo Travelers :man_detective:

For solo travelers looking for a stimulating yet relaxed experience, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is an excellent choice. The free admission means you can explore at your own pace without financial pressure. Reddit The diverse collections, from ancient history to art, provide plenty to ponder and learn. Reddit

Combine your visit with a peaceful walk along New Walk and a stop at one of the many nearby cafes for a solo lunch or coffee break. Reddit It's a perfect way to spend a few hours immersing yourself in culture and enjoying the city's amenities.

Budget Travelers :money_bag:

This museum is a dream for budget travelers, offering free entry to all its extensive collections. Reddit You can spend hours exploring dinosaurs, Egyptian artifacts, and art without spending a penny on admission. Reddit

To keep costs even lower, pack your own snacks and drinks, or take advantage of the vending machines on-site. Reddit The surrounding New Walk area also offers a range of cafes, so you can find affordable options for a meal or a coffee break. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Collections

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery boasts a diverse array of collections that cater to a wide range of interests. The Natural History section is a major draw, featuring impressive dinosaur skeletons and fossils that captivate visitors of all ages. You can also delve into the world of Ancient Civilizations, with fascinating Egyptian and Sumerian artifacts, including mummies that offer a glimpse into ancient burial practices. Reddit+1

The Art Galleries upstairs house a significant collection of 18th to 20th-century art, with works from German painters and local artists. For those interested in the region's past, the Leicester History area provides insights into the city's heritage, though some visitors find its multimedia approach a bit overwhelming. Reddit Don't miss the special exhibition space, which has previously featured beloved characters like Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, offering interactive fun for families. Reddit

Across the exhibits, the museum emphasizes educational and visually stunning displays. Informative labels accompany most items, making it easy to learn about each piece. The layout is generally well-organized, allowing for a smooth flow through the different galleries. Reddit

A Day Out on New Walk

The Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is situated on New Walk, a beautiful, tree-lined pedestrian promenade that offers a pleasant escape from the city bustle. This historic walkway is perfect for a leisurely stroll before or after your museum visit. Reddit It's a tranquil setting that enhances the overall experience of visiting this part of Leicester. Reddit

New Walk itself is surrounded by a vibrant area with numerous cafes, coffee shops, and eateries. This makes it incredibly convenient to grab a snack, enjoy lunch, or relax with a coffee after exploring the museum's collections. Reddit Visitors often recommend combining a trip to the museum with a stop at one of these local establishments for a complete and enjoyable day out. Reddit

While the museum does not have on-site parking, the proximity to city car parks means you can easily park and then enjoy the walk along New Walk to reach the museum. This integration of the museum with its pleasant surroundings makes it a well-rounded destination for a day trip. Reddit