York Museums Trust is an independent charitable trust. Our mission is to cherish and enhance the collections, buildings and gardens entrusted to us presenting and interpreting them as a stimulus for learning, a provocation to curiosity and a source of inspiration and enjoyment for all.
York Art Gallery has developed an outstanding collection of paintings that range from 14th century Western European examples through to 20th century British work. The Gallery houses the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA) to showcase its important collection of British Studio Ceramics.
York Castle Museum houses an extraordinary collection of social history objects reflecting everyday life in the county. One of its renowned displays is the reconstructed Victorian street, Kirkgate, that has been hugely influential in museum displays worldwide. The museum is housed in a former debtors’ prison and an adjoining former women’s prison.
Yorkshire Museum and the Museum Gardens – The Yorkshire Museum is set in ten acres of botanical gardens, The museum currently houses a number of archaeological, geological and natural history artefacts from our extensive collections. Within the Museum Gardens are the ruins of the 13th century St Mary’s Abbey, a medieval Hospitium and guest lodge, and a 19th century Observatory.
York St Mary’s is a deconsecrated medieval parish church on Castlegate, The bulk of the building dates to the early 13th century. York Museums Trust have transformed this hallowed space into a unique venue for experiencing cutting-edge contemporary art.
York Museums Trust aim is to place our collections at the heart of York as aworld-classs cultural centre, presenting them as a stimulus for learning, a provocation to curiosity and a source of inspiration and enjoyment. YMT is developing a strong reputation for ambitious exhibition programming inspired by our nationally important designated collections, original research, exciting artists and innovative and engaging interpretation. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and be inspired by our sites.