York Castle Museum

History

York Museums Trust was set up in August 2002 to manage York Art Gallery, York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and Gardens and York St Mary's.

All the venues were previously managed by City of York Council, which still owns all the buildings and collections and has agreed to long-term funding of the Trust.

Since 2002, York Museums Trust has:

Increased overall visitor numbers from 387,000 in the first full year of operation to 465,000 in 2005/06

Invested in the displays and buildings, including a major refurbishment at York Art Gallery, an interactive makeover for York Castle Museum's Victorian Street and an international exhibition on Constantine the Great at the Yorkshire Museum.

Created a new contemporary art venue at York St Mary's for site-specific art installations

Established an award-winning learning, events and activities programme for schools and families

Received full Accredited Status by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, recognising improvements which have been made in collection care

Fundraised £3.4 million for capital investment and exhibitions

Developed partnerships with other Yorkshire museums and galleries, and with key players in the development of York's cultural strategy.