Happy spring everyone! I hope you’re all well and will enjoy the much needed Easter break! Are you looking for something to do now that the weather is warming up? Here’s a list of the best museums and art galleries in Leicester! Many of these offer concession rates for students or are completely free, so you can enjoy a warm spring day without breaking the bank!
1. Leicester Museum
53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA
I really enjoy visiting the Leicester Museum as it’s conveniently located nearby the DeMonfort campus, I have often popped in after my lectures are done for the day! Admission is free to all which is a bonus, too! They feature exhibitions that showcase the history of Leicester, and I always learn something new with each visit!
2. National Space Centre (the best museum in Leicester!)
Exploration Dr, Leicester LE4 5NS
The National Space Centre is probably the best museum in Leicester. It has the biggest planetarium in the country, and is seriously so cool to visit! I’ve been several times, though I recommend avoiding booking on days that will be busy over school holidays or term time school trips. You can check what days will be best using their booking calendar just to be sure! Tickets for students are £20 per person, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
3. The Guildhall Museum, Leicester
Guildhall Ln, Leicester LE1 5FQ
The Guildhall Museum is the best museum in Leicester because it is the oldest building that is still in use in the city. Apparently it is believed that Shakespeare performed there during the Tudor era! How cool is that? At the moment they are currently offering free guided tours up until the end of April, though general admission is also free. There is a really nice café across the road from here that I also recommend!
4. Abbey Pumping Station Museum, Leicester
Corporation Rd, Leicester LE4 5PX
If you love history, the Abbey Pumping Station Museum is the place for you! This museum in Leicester showcases how people during the Victorian era lived in the city, and it is home to a rare collection of vintage vehicles! Admission here is free unless it is an event day.
5. Marvellous Art Gallery, Leicester
14 Belvoir St, Leicester LE1 6QH
This art gallery in Leicester is tucked away where you would least expect it, a truly hidden gem in the city! I really love the art that is showcased in there, there’s always something different to see every time you visit! There is no charge to visit, either!
6. The LOVE Of COLOUR (the best art gallery in Leicester)
19 King St, Leicester LE1 6RN
The LOVE Of COLOUR art gallery is the best art gallery in Leicester. It features a lot of abstract artwork that you can either browse or buy to decorate your place with! I love this place because their slogan is ‘everyone needs some colour in their life!’ It is also free to visit!
7. Clarendon Fine Art Leicester
Unit R2, 9 Bath House Ln, Leicester LE1 4SA
Clarendon Fine Art is the best art gallery in Leicester for luxury art. You can always find different limited edition collections and rare artwork here! There’s always something new on and it’s located in around Highcross so it is easy to get to! Another freebie to spend an afternoon walking around!
8. Leicester Gallery
De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH
This is my local art gallery, and also the best art gallery in Leicester because it often showcases students work! That way you are getting the experience of enjoying what DeMonfort art students in Leicester are creating, which is so cool! Entry is free and you can also visit during art shows as well!
9. City Gallery, Leicester
53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA
Attached to the Leicester Museum, the City Gallery is such an amazing place to walk around! You get the best of both worlds here: the best museum and art gallery in Leicester all in one! There’s so much to see and some fun exhibitions on too! I like to visit here to clear my mind, if you visit on weekdays it is usually very quiet which makes for a great atomsphere! Admission is free to all!
10. Attenborough Arts Centre (art gallery in Leicester)
University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HA
If you’re a UoL student, then this is your local art gallery in Leicester. The Attenborough Art Centre, established after Lord Richard Attenborough, is more than just an art gallery in Leicester. It hosts events, community activities, student exhibitions, and so much more! Admission is free to all and I really recommend you check this one out!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best museums and art galleries in Leicester. Do check them out now that the weather is picking up! If you’re looking for something else to do, why not read about the best parks and gardens in Leicester? I hope you all enjoy the Easter break!
I’m a third-year English Language student at DMU. I live in Leicester but am originally from Northamptonshire. In my spare time I can either be found writing poetry or snuggled up on the sofa with my nose in a book.
