Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall to remain open after huge public backlash against closure plans
Abbey House Museum was under threat of closure, as Leeds City Council look to balance the books
Last updated 4th Feb 2025
Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is to remain open following a huge response to a public consultation.
Leeds City Council has been consulting on the attraction’s future as the authority explores a range of proposals to address unprecedented financial pressures.
After considering almost 10,000 responses, the council has taken the decision to withdraw the proposals as part of its budget plans for the coming year, which will be presented to the council’s executive board next week.
Now the museum will remain open to visitors as normal and planning for upcoming events and exhibitions will continue.
Meanwhile, the council said they will still need to look at how they can save money. They said alternative options to secure to the savings required are currently being reviewed.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The public response to the Abbey House Museum consultation has been incredibly passionate and we’d like to thank everybody who has participated. The overriding sentiment has been that people across Leeds clearly recognise the unique social value of our museums and galleries to their communities and local heritage.
“We have always been clear that these types of proposals are not ones that we ever want to bring forward. But the severe and sustained pressures on our budget have given us no choice but to consider some options which we would never normally look at.
“However, we are always committed to listening and responding to the views of the public and working to find solutions which fit their needs where we can.
“It was clear from ward members the strength of feeling locally, and this has been replicated from across Leeds in the consultation. As a result, we’re pleased to say the museum will stay open.
“What we need now is for people channel the passion and enthusiasm they have demonstrated during the consultation into visiting and engaging with the site as much as possible over the coming months so we can all work to support its future.”
Opened in 1927, Abbey House Museum is home to three replica Victorian streets, which feature shops, a pub, and houses. The museum building itself is Kirkstall Abbey’s original gatehouse.