Mansion House, York
Georgian home of the Lord Mayors of York from the 1730s, open to visitors with a Georgian kitchen, civic silver and a Cabinet of Curiosities.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Mansion House in St Helen’s Square is the oldest purpose-built residence for a Lord Mayor in England. Its foundation stone was laid in 1725 and the house was finished in 1732, which makes it older than the Mansion House in London. It was built as a place for entertaining important guests and as a setting for civic life.
The house holds one of the largest collections of civic silver in England, including ceremonial swords, a mace and a gold cup, as well as portraits of former Lord Mayors. After a major restoration project that ended in 2018, the house reopened to the public with improved displays, a restored Georgian kitchen and a Silver Gallery.
Today visitors can explore four floors of eighteenth-century civic and social history. Highlights include a Cabinet of Curiosities with stories of treasure and witchcraft, the recreated Georgian kitchen, the silver collection and rooms that tell tales of scandal and frivolity. The house is also used for weddings, receptions and corporate events.
Highlights
- Oldest purpose-built residence for a Lord Mayor in England
- One of the largest civic silver collections in the country
- Recreated Georgian kitchen with daily cooking demonstrations
- Cabinet of Curiosities with stories of treasure and witchcraft
- Seasonal trails and activities for all ages
Permanent exhibitions
- Georgian kitchen – A recreated eighteenth-century kitchen where cooking demonstrations are held every day.
- Civic silver collection – One of England’s largest collections of civic silver, with swords, a mace and a gold cup.
- Cabinet of Curiosities – A display of hidden treasures and local tales of witchcraft and secret history.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5.50Over 65s and full-time students aged 16 and over |
| Children & teens | £3.50free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 and over pay £3.50. |
| Seniors | £5.50Over 65s. |
| Students & apprentices | £5.50Full-time students aged 16 and over. |
| Families | £182 adults and up to 3 children. |
| York resident adult (proof of address or York Card) | £3.50York residents pay half price; concessions £2.75, children £1.75, family £9. |
| Annual pass adult | £20Concessions £16, family £45; one child is free with an adult pass. |
| Annual pass adult for York residents | £10Concessions £8, family £23. |
English Heritage members and City Sightseeing ticket holders get 25% off admission. Children under five are free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £18 · 2 adults and up to 3 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Seasonal trails and activities for all ages are offered throughout the year.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no parking on site.
The house is in the city centre, just off St Helen’s Square and close to Bettys Tea Room.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
The house can be hired for weddings and civil ceremonies, receptions, product launches, dinners, drinks receptions and theatre performances.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Good to know | Cooking demonstrations take place in the Georgian kitchen every day at 11:30. Seasonal trails and activities for all ages run through the year. |
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Museums nearby
Barley Hall
York Roman Bath Museum
Yorkshire Museum
York's Chocolate Story
York Minster Undercroft
York Art Gallery
All 23 museums in York All museums in Yorkshire and the Humber
