Took my 2 children here yesterday during the half term break. Had previously wanted to go on a weekend, but the centre is only open to the general public on Thursdays. You can enquire about attending on other days, but I believe it’s mainly for school and other educational visits. Ok back to the visit. You just turn before 11 for a guided tour, this also repeats at 2pm. Yesterday we had record numbers for the tour. You just sign in and put down your email address and post code. It’s free to entry, though you can make a donation at the end if you like. The tour guide was excellent, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a lot of the items. Though there is over 1 million items in there, they kinda show you the popular interesting items. There are rows of specific items, but you can see them if you ask for example the precious rock section. Also you can book tours to see certain areas of the facility. The tour was very interesting and informative, children of all ages will enjoy it, even adults will because most of the stuff is very historical and a lot items are local. Overall it was a good trip. The guided tour lasted over 1 hour. Having done most of the museums and galleries in Leeds, this place is very unknown, but is a HIDDEN GEM. It’s like going into Pandora’s box of treasures.

I didn’t know that this place is usually closed for weekends. I just hopped in the car with my friends to go. Luckily, Adam saw us through his window and invited us in even though they were not officially opened and he was really kind enough to show us around. He offered us water and biscuits after the tour . Thank you so much Adam!!! It’s a centre with over a million collection of animals, clothing, statues and so on. It was so fascinating. I saw some collections peculiar to where I come from, it’s indeed a beauty to behold. We were advised not to touch anything so as not to destroy the items. I’ll surely be back when they’re open on a week day. It’s free of charge. Parking space are available. I recommend!!! Its children friendly too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Wonderful to see such a range of different objects and to have them explained in depth. Items range from social history, taxidermy, costume, enamel signs, machines, insects, plants, bird eggs etc. Something for everyone! I believe there are over one million objects present. I would recommend wearing warm clothing as the temperature in the main store is around 16 degrees at something like 50% humidity so it does feel cold after a while.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Plenty of Parking available. Reception was manned and friendly enough. I came here for an interview so can't comment on the whole building. But what I was shown: the archive store, was amazing! So many beautiful items. Very child friendly with lots of fascinating displays and info. The meeting room I was led to was nice a large and bright. WC on the ground floor too :)

My oh my what a wonderful place. So much history, nature, art and treasure. I supported a gentleman with autism there and we had the best day. Our guide Rebecca couldn't have been more perfect. She was so friendly and informative, an absolute credit to the museum. (And the art gallery as a super cool art historian) I can't wait to return.

Her you can see a range of different objects and them are explained in depth. Items range spread among social history, taxidermy, costume, enamel signs, machines, insects, plants, bird eggs. It is for everyone and children too.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

If you think you're a hoarder, think again. Every nook and cranny has something different from a vast majority of eras. The knowledge on each piece is informative and educational. Great place to go for an hour and free!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is the store for the"not on show" collections of Leeds Museums and Galleries. It is visitor friendly but you need to book a store tour, they run on Tuesday and Thursday. Some other family events are run on occasional Wednesdays but you need to contact the Discovery Centre for details.

Absoulately amazing the tour was fun and fasinating could have spent a whole day there Our guide was the icing on the cake One of the best place to visit in leeds a credit to the team that work there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Their tour was ok and the tour guide was great at explaining what she knew but she definitely focuses more on her strengths than weaknesses in their collection which made a quite large disparity on what items were discussed.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min

Did 1 hour tour with lovely guide. Full of stuff from bygone era, my highlight being a piece of meteorite older than earth itself! & magnifico butterfly collection amongst all the various preserved creatures. Fascinating for old and even the very young I imagine.

Excellent place. Hidden gem in Leeds. So many interesting items and objects. And so much history. Very friendly staff. Our tour person was lovely - special praise to Kat x
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Very interesting look around some of the Leeds museums artifacts in storage. Guide was full of information and enthusiasm which made it all the more enjoyable. May try and book some time in the future to look at some of the items in a bit more detail

What a gem of a find today Emily and Carl were full of knowledge and made the visit very interesting we hope to be coming back later in the year as so much to see we didn't fit it all in thankyou both so much

I've started a arts and craft group there. That meet once a month. I enjoy it. Lovely place and lovely people.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The historical knowledge of both artefacts and staff is amazing. The staff are so friendly too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Needed to take some photos for my alevel art project of some butterflies. The staff were lovely and the collection of butterflies was so large and interesting

The team who work here are amazing! It's such a great place to find all kinds of weird and wonderful artifacts. Anyone can get excited about history here.

Amazing place. Bursting at the seems with interesting stuff to look at. Could only stay an hour or so as the stores are understandably quite chilly.

Fabulous place.a treasure trove of interest and wonder.deeply moving and marvellous fun.the drawingwas inspired by my experience..thankyou people

An excellent resource for anyone interested in history or art. A pleasant plethora of juxtaposed artefacts, as well as the stored collections.

The whole team are super friendly, a real hidden gem!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Interesting place to visit with lots to see in the cold store
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Discovery Centre is better than the museum.
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Staff are lovely
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This is an amazing museum it holds a lot of history there, something for everyone at the Discovery museum

Fascinating collection of objects with a incredibly knowledgeable staff and a wonderful education team!

Educational day out for the family. And a free tour on Thursdays. So happy we found this hidden gem.

Amazing free tours of the Leeds Museums store! Love the giant squid and fabulous range of objects.

It is just a big warehouse but full of extraordinary features, creatures artwork, good family trip

A great experience with a guide telling stories of different objects stored in the depository.

Went here recently for an equality and diversity. excellent place staff very heloful and warm

Wonderful place...didn't know it existed..great for all ages..knowledgeable staff...

Advance booking only and worth it to have a look round their storage facility.

You will love it or realize it is just a warehouse full of stuff. Worth a look

Good place to explore with children. There is a nice Café downstairs too.

We went for an art workshop with the LUU Art Soc, would highly recommend!

Excellent friendly and knowledgeable people great day out for everyone

Very disappointing. More reminiscent of post WW2 junk shops.

In the Discovery centre, everyone can hear you breathe...

Superb hidden gem of a place. Well worth booking a visit

Love it here. Book an event with the kids. It's just fab

All staff where very educated, really enjoyed our visit

Great experience, quiet environment and friendly staff

Not open to the public. But fits it's purpose.

Privatly behind the scenes tours available.

What a treasure trove, great staff too.

Brilliant place with so much to see

Authentic, original and friendly.

What a fantastic hidden gem!!

It's really nice for kids

It is kids friendly

Great place.

love it

Genial!