Leeds Museum Celebrates City’s Music Scene with Duchess Tribute

A new exhibition at Leeds City Museum pays tribute to The Duchess of York, a renowned Leeds music venue that played a significant role in the city’s music history. Commonly known as The Duchess, the venue was located on Vicar Lane and hosted performances by major rock and pop acts, including Oasis and Nirvana, before closing in 2000.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition, titled Music Leeds Us, commemorates 60 years of Leeds’ vibrant music scene. A key feature is an impressive recreation of The Duchess pub, designed to capture the atmosphere of the original venue and its importance to local and national music culture.

The Duchess of York’s Legacy

• Located on Vicar Lane, Leeds
• Popular live music venue during the 1980s and 1990s
• Hosted iconic bands such as Oasis and Nirvana
• Closed in 2000

The venue was known for supporting emerging artists and became a landmark for music fans in Leeds and beyond. Its contribution to the city’s cultural life is recognised through this detailed homage within the museum.

Music Leeds Us Exhibition

The exhibition explores six decades of Leeds’ musical heritage, highlighting the city’s influence on various genres and its role in nurturing talent. Visitors can experience the recreated pub setting alongside other displays that celebrate Leeds’ diverse music history.

Further details about the exhibition, including opening times and related events, are available on the Leeds City Museum website.