Leeds museum honours legendary music venue in exhibition
Casey Peyton
10 October 2025

A tribute to a beloved music venue has been created at Leeds City Museum in celebration of 60 years of the city’s music scene.

The exhibition, opening today, honours The Duchess of York on Vicar Lane, popularly known as The Duchess.

It was renowned for hosting incredible performances by some of the biggest names in rock, including Oasis and Nirvana, before the venue closed in 2000.

Esther Amis-Hughes, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ community engagement manager, said: “The past 60 years have been truly transformational for music in Leeds and have seen some iconic moments that will forever be part of the city’s history.

“I’ve been blown away by the passion, diversity, and power of the city to continue to be a source of inspiration through music, and this exhibition has shown me how brilliant people, doing what they love, can make a positive difference.

“I hope this exhibition gives people an insight into the power of music in bringing people together, no matter what genre or scene you enjoy.”

The recreation of the historic pub is part of Music Leeds Us at Leeds City Museum.

It looks back on six decades of musical heritage and has gathered stories from more than 70 partners including local music lovers, artists, promoters, and record shops.

The exhibition was created in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire, but the Duchess model was originally created by Small Acts and commissioned by Compass Live Art for Compass Festival 2021 in tribute to the venue itself, which was founded by John Keenan.

The pub itself was also awarded a blue plaque by Leeds Civic Trust in 2024 for its significant contribution to the local music scene.

Professor Joe Wilson, principal at Leeds Conservatoire, said: “Since it opened in 1965 Leeds Conservatoire, formerly Leeds College of Music, has been a pioneer, helping shape and support the musical landscape in Leeds and beyond.

“It is a pleasure to be actively involved in this special exhibition which celebrates the people, places and moments that have shaped the city’s musical identity over six decades.”

The exhibition also features a purpose-built sound booth and two working jukeboxes, provided by Leeds-based Sound Leisure, the world’s oldest family-run jukebox company.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Over time music has become an integral part of the city’s story and showcasing so many elements together in this exhibition really brings home how much music means to Leeds.”

The museum will host a special celebration day planned for Saturday 11 October to commemorate the opening of the exhibition.