The site stands on the edge of the historic battlefield of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth, where local legend suggests the defeated King Richard III may have passed near this location.
The museum features a 'Cinema of the 1950s' exhibit that preserves original architectural elements from local independent theaters.
The collection includes the 'Toy Gallery', which holds a significant number of handmade toys dating back to the Victorian era.
The building features a rare example of a 17th-century 'painted room' with wall decorations that survived centuries of refurbishment.
Daniel Lambert, famously known as the heaviest man in England during the early 19th century, is commemorated here with his personal clothing and portraiture.
Newarke Houses Museum is located within two Grade II listed 17th-century buildings, Wygston’s Chantry House and Skeffington House. The museum focuses on the social history of Leicester from the 16th century to the present day. It houses an extensive collection of items related to the Leicestershire Regiment, featuring medals, uniforms, and personal artifacts from various military conflicts. Visitors can explore a recreated 1950s street scene that replicates local shops and domestic interiors from mid-20th-century Leicester. The site is situated within the historic Newarke area, which historically housed a fortified collegiate church and hospital. The museum preserves the original timber framing and architectural features of the period houses. Temporary exhibition spaces frequently host community-led projects and local heritage displays. Educational displays detail the industrial evolution and changing domestic life of the city. The museum grounds include formal garden areas that connect the historic structures.
The 1950s recreated street scene, which provides an immersive historical backdrop for photography.
Walk through the connecting garden between the two houses to view the distinct architectural contrast between the buildings.
Check the temporary exhibition calendar online before visiting, as these change quarterly.
Do not overlook the small, easily missed toy and social history exhibits on the upper floors, as many visitors focus only on the ground floor street scene.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
