Micklegate Bar Museum, York

After the construction of the medieval city walls, Micklegate Bar became the primary entrance into the city of York. The oldest parts of the bar date to the 1100s. Micklegate Bar was not only a gateway to the city but also a home to many families right up until 1918.

York Archaeological Trust refurbished and reopened the Micklegate Bar Museum in Spring 2010.

This four-storey-high gatehouse was the traditional ceremonial gate for monarchs entering the city, who, in a tradition dating to Richard II in 1389, touch the state sword when entering the gate.

A 12th century gatehouse was replaced in the 14th century with a heavy portcullis and barbican.

The upper two floors contain living quarters, which today are a museum of the bar, and the city. Its symbolic value led to traitors' decapitated heads being displayed on the defences. Heads left there to rot included: Henry Hotspur Percy (1403), Henry Scrope, 3rd Baron Scrope of Masham (1415), Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York (1461), and Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland (1572).

Opening Times

Summer - 10am last admission 4pm
Winter 11am last admission 3pm
Open 7 days a week
Closed - December 2011 / January 2012

The Museum will remain closed if the city walls are not open.

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

Adults £3.50
Concession £2.50
Children FREE with paying adult

York Residents FREE with proof of residency
Free admission for 12 months with your admission ticket

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Micklegate Bar Museum is located in the historic Bar of Micklegate on York's city walls, so access is extremely limited. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building and its location, there is no wheelchair access.

Please call 01904 615505 to discuss your access requirements.

Unfortunately, there are currently no toilet facilities at Micklegate Bar Museum. However public toilets are located just 2 minutes walk away in Nunery Lane car park.

Visit website for more information

More Information

Telephone: 01904 615 505

Visit website for more information