Abbey House Museum Future Discussed at Public Meeting in Leeds

The council once planned to close Abbey House Museum. A meeting discussing its future was very crowded. Liz Minkin led the meeting at St Stephen’s Church Hall. She said the museum is saved permanently now.

Over 10,000 people opposed its closure. Over 6,000 signed a petition to save the museum. Locals suggested future museum improvements. Councilors said Kirkstall Abbey had a separate budget.

People wanted Abbey money to help the museum. Currently, Parks and Countryside manage the Abbey. Jane Walne said merging sites is hard, but they considered it. Francesca Chalmers-Brown noted shared staff. She suggested better site links and evening events.

Her paranormal group wants more events, beyond three per year. Steve Holt owns Kirkstall Brewery. He owns Victorian brewing artifacts now at Tetley. Steve wants his collection at Abbey House Museum. He could run a café in Norman Hall.

He suggested a “Brewseum” to sustain the museum. People think the museum entry fees cost too much. They want better marketing and advertising for the museum. Vic Smith noted the lack of street signs.

Simon Davis wants better toilets and a new café. The museum needs repeat and new visitors, people explained. Friends of Leeds Museums pay annual fees. These fees give them access to many locations.

Alex Sobel wants more museum events. He’s glad it was saved. He wants regular meetings for its future.