Open Now at York Castle Museum

The terror of total war and its revolutionary impact on life around the world is explored in this major new exhibition marking the centenary of the First World War.

From the pre-war golden age of peace and prosperity visitors are sent to the recruitment office and travel via train to the horrors of the frontline – from rats to foot rot, shell shock to gas warfare.

Back home, daily life in Britain was changing beyond recognition while around the world millions would die as Europe’s empires clashed in the first truly global conflict.

New technology and research are combined with the museum’s extensive military, costume and social history collections to tell the fascinating and often moving stories of the Yorkshire people who lived and died during the war that they said would end all wars.

The exhibition is the central part of a £1.7 million project at the museum, with the majority of the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

It opened on June 28 2014– 100 years to the day that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, which then sparked a chain of events which led to the outbreak of war.

Please note: Due to fire evacuation requirements, the exhibition can only allow access to two wheelchair users at a time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Latest News

1. Enjoy York Art Gallery in February Half-Term 2026 with workshops and crafting activities for the whole family. 
2. Enjoy a Viking takeover at the Yorkshire Museum February Half-Term 2026
3. Travel back in time this February Half-Term to a Victorian coaching inn with new immersive display, food tasting and family crafts at York Castle Museum.
4. What’s On at York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery, and the Yorkshire Museum: February Half Term 2026 
5. Gold rings, jewels and medieval treasure: Gift a piece of Yorkshire’s history this festive season with ‘Adopt an Object’ at York Museums Trust

Keep in Touch

Sign up to our Mailing List here