Free Hands-on History at York Army Museum for Residents Weekend

York Army Museum is inviting visitors of all ages to step into the past during a special Open Weekend on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February 2026, with two days of free activities running from 10am to 5pm.

The Open Weekend will offer a lively programme designed to bring military history to life. Visitors can enjoy object handling sessions, giving them the rare opportunity to get up close to authentic items from the museum’s collections, as well as family-friendly trails to explore the museum collections.

Throughout the weekend, there will be demonstrations by the East Yorkshire Regiment Living History Group, who will showcase aspects of soldiers’ lives and military heritage through engaging displays. Call in and talk to them - they love to chat.

Visitors will also have the chance to view the museum’s Object Journeys exhibition, created in partnership with the British Museum. The exhibition explores the stories behind remarkable objects brought back from West Africa in the late nineteenth century and includes the display of rare medieval ewers, offering a unique insight into craftsmanship, trade, and cultural exchange.

For those looking for a more interactive challenge, the museum’s popular Tank Arcade game will be available to play. Designed for both children and adults, the game encourages families and friends to play together and compete to achieve the highest score.

All Residents Weekend activities are free of charge and admission to the museum is free.

Event details:
📍 York Army Museum
📅 Saturday 31 January & Sunday 1 February 2026
⏰ 10am–5pm
🎟️ Free activities for all ages

For more information, visit York Army Museum or follow the museum on social media for updates.