Jewry Wall Museum – 'A Real Roman Experience' opens this Saturday
- Kerry Smith
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
This weekend, Leicester’s Roman past will be celebrated at the Jewry Wall Museum.
Jewry Wall Museum – A Real Roman Experience will open its doors this Saturday, July 26, marking a significant milestone for Leicester and the broader understanding of Britain’s Roman history.
At the heart of the Jewry Wall Museum lies the remains of a Roman bath house, one of the largest civic Roman ruins in the country. The museum integrates 2nd-century archaeology with 21st-century technology to narrate the fascinating story of daily life in Leicester 2,000 years ago.
A Grade II-listed former college, designed by modernist architect Trevor Dannatt and inspired by the ancient foundations of the adjacent bath house, has undergone a full refurbishment by Leicester City Council. This has created a contemporary space for the new attraction.
Admission tickets are currently available, and the new museum is poised to become the most significant Roman-themed attraction in the Midlands upon its opening this weekend.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor, remarked: “This magnificent new museum enables us to proudly showcase our 2,000 years of history and Leicester’s role in Roman Britain.
“Thanks to archaeological discoveries and interactive technology, the Jewry Wall Museum will unveil the public and private lives of the residents of Ratae Corieltauvorum like never before, sharing their stories in innovative and compelling ways.
“I hope it becomes a must-see visitor attraction in our historic city, enhancing our understanding of Roman Leicester while giving local residents even more reasons to take pride in their city’s rich history.”
Upon arrival at the Jewry Wall Museum, visitors will embark on an immersive journey through Roman Leicester, guided by ‘Marcellus’—the son of a Roman soldier and a local woman—who will introduce them to the ancient city of Ratae Corieltauvorum.
Brought to life by acclaimed British artist Scott Tetlow, Marcellus and other characters will help recreate the vibrant street scene of Roman Leicester. Interactive displays, projections, and games will offer engaging and educational insights into everyday life in the 2nd century.
As one of the most archaeologically explored cities in the UK, Leicester boasts a vast collection of Roman artefacts, with over a hundred items on display at the new museum, all discovered in Leicester and Leicestershire.
These artefacts include some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters ever found in the UK, along with jewellery, pottery, bronzework, and coins.
Many of these items were uncovered during excavations led by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services.
Admission to the Jewry Wall Museum – A Real Roman Experience includes a Roman Explorer Pass, allowing unlimited visits for 12 months. Visitors can also opt for a combined ticket, offering access to both the Jewry Wall Museum and the city’s King Richard III Visitor Centre at a discounted price.
Adults (16+): £12.50
Concessions: £11.50
Children (5–15): £6.25
Family (2 adults + 2 children): £32
Under 5s and official carers: Free
Combined attraction tickets: From £23
Jewry Wall Museum – A Real Roman Experience is based at St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB.
