DMU Museum
Free university museum in Leicester’s historic Newarke quarter, built around medieval church ruins, telling the story of the area and the university.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The DMU Museum, formerly known as the De Montfort University Heritage Centre, is run by De Montfort University in Leicester. It lies in the Newarke, a medieval precinct in the city’s historic quarter, and is built around the only surviving ruins of the medieval Church of the Annunciation.
The permanent display tells the story of the Newarke from its medieval beginnings, including its link to the story of King Richard III and its role in the Civil War, to the industrial period, when orchards and gardens gave way to factories. The university’s own link with the area goes back to 1897, when its predecessor, the Leicester Municipal Technical and Art School, was established there. As the institution grew, it took over more of the site and converted medieval buildings and former factories into teaching spaces.
Two temporary galleries show changing exhibitions drawn from the university’s collections, student work, research and partnerships. The collections include material dating back to 1474. The museum also offers guided tours of the wider Newarke and castle area, and creative learning activities.
Highlights
- Museum built around the ruins of the medieval Church of the Annunciation
- Permanent display on the history of the Newarke, Leicester’s heritage quarter
- University collections with material dating back to 1474
- Guided tours of medieval Leicester
- Free entry
Permanent exhibition
- The Newarke: Discover the story of Leicester’s heritage quarter – The medieval precinct of the Newarke, from its links to Richard III and the Civil War to the factories of the industrial era and the growth of the university on the site.
- Operated by
- De Montfort University
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Medieval Leicester History and Hauntings Tour (selected dates, 25 places) | £20 |
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Entry to the museum is free. Guided tours are charged separately.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on the lower ground level of the Hawthorn Building. It has not published access details on its visit page; visitors can phone or e-mail beforehand.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The main entrance is in the Hawthorn Building, lower ground level, room 00.34, on The Newarke (building number 18 on the campus map). A second entrance is on the Gateway side of the Hawthorn Building (LE1 9BH). The museum’s location can also be found with what3words: bucked.stored.pine.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Guided tours of the Newarke and castle area can be booked through the museum’s tours and events page. |
