York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is a museum located in York, North Yorkshire, England, on the site of York Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. The museum itself was founded by Dr John L Kirk in 1938, and is housed in prison buildings which were built on the site of the castle in the 18th century, the Debtors Prison (built in 1701-05 using stone from the ruins of the castle) and the Female Prison (built 1780-1785).

The museum's displays include recreated period rooms such as a Victorian parlour and a 17th century dining room. There are displays of everyday life including an exhibition about rites of passage and an exhibition all about washing and cleaning. There is also a Hearth Gallery with recreated fireplaces and kitchens. A display about life in the prison has been opened in the cells of the old Debtors Prison. There is also a recreation of a Victorian street (Kirkgate, named after Dr. Kirk). What was once an Edwardian street (Half Moon Court) is now an exhibit on the 1960s. The museum also has a Barn Gallery, a Children's Gallery and military and costume displays. The former Condemned Cell, possibly once occupied by Dick Turpin, can also be visited. Studio areas feature programmed activities where visitors can come into close contact with items from the museum's large and nationally designated collections.

Exhibitions and events

From Cradle to Grave

Permanent exhibition

This exhibition focuses on the history of three rites of passage birth, marriage and death. Visitors can also see examples of many of the nursery and childcare items used during the last three...

Seeing it Through

Permanent exhibition

This exhibition shows how the Second World War affected the everyday lives of people in Britain by using the experiences, artefacts, costumes, photographs and ephemera of the people of York....

The Sixties

Permanent exhibition

The Sixties aims to recreate the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life. The gallery uses fascinating and iconic objects from our...

Toy Stories

Permanent exhibition

Take a trip back to your childhood and rediscover some of your favourite toys in this new exhibition. Bikes, bath toys, computer games, Lego and beautiful handmade dolls are among the toys on show...

From Cradle to Grave

Permanent exhibition

This exhibition focuses on the history of three rites of passage - birth, marriage and death. Visitors can see examples of many of the nursery and childcare items used during the last three hundred...

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