Dates: Wednesday 7 August 2024–Sunday 1 September 2024, All Day
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

‘Britain’s Oldest House’ to be Built in Museum Gardens!

7 August to 1 September 2024 

Just what is it like to build and live in a Mesolithic House? 11,000 years ago our ancestors were not just surviving, they were thriving and this summer, visitors to York’s Museum Gardens can see the challenges of building a Mesolithic house for themselves and find out more about these ancient people’s lives from the exhibition in the Yorkshire Museum. 

From 7 August, a team from the York Museums Trust and the University of York, and experts in ancient technology and archaeology, will build a Mesolithic house using evidence gleaned from the world famous prehistoric archaeological site at Star Carr in Yorkshire.  One of the most important discoveries at the site was the oldest known house in Britain. The house construction in the Museum gardens will be based on evidence from the archaeological site using techniques and materials, such as stone tools and plant materials which would have been used 11,000 years ago.  Professor Nicky Milner, Head of Archaeology, and Dr Jess Bates, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of York, are spearheading the project with experts Diederik Pomstra and Leo Wolterbeek and support from Dr Adam Parker, Curator of Archaeology at York Museums Trust. This project has been made possible by funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.  

View event >

Date: Saturday 31 August 2024, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Venue: York Art Gallery

31 August

9-10am

£20.00 per person

Book tickets here. Please read all text below before booking.

During this special water-themed sound bath immerse yourself in a tranquil oasis, rest your body, and listen as the waves of harmonic frequencies create ripples of relaxation and a deep meditative state. Joe will play a variety of instruments including singing bowls, sansula, koshi chimes, drum, gong and percussion instruments alongside vocal work. The different harmonics combine to create an altered state of consciousness as the brainwave state calms and slows down the body relaxes and finds stillness. 

Everyone will have their own unique experience and afterward some may find the sonic massage has left them relaxed, energised, or more reset; and it’s never the same! 

No experience is necessary, and all are welcome, just come with an open mind and heart. 

PLEASE NOTE: Bring a yoga/ exercise mat, blanket, two pillows (one for under the knees and one for under the head) and a bottle of water or closed-top drinking cup. Those in wheelchairs bring a blanket and pillow and eye mask. 

Wear warm layers as during relaxation the body can cool down. Eye pillows will be provided. 

You may choose to sit for the sound bath but most people prefer to lie on the floor in a supported rest position. This is an accessible event 

The Art Gallery doors will open at 9am and will be closed at 9.15am. You will need to have time to come to the first-floor gallery space and unpack your equipment and be ready to start at 9.15am. Strictly no late arrivals will be admitted. 

IMPORTANT: Sound work is contraindicated for pregnancy, those with metal plates, or pacemakers if you suffer from sound-induced epilepsy and for some mental health conditions.  

Please read this waiver before buying your ticket. You will need to sign the waiver on the day.  

Suitable for those aged 18+ 

This workshop is part of our National Treasures: Monet in York exhibition events programme. Entry to the exhibition and our permanent collections is included in the price.

Find out more about the exhibition here  

View event >

Date: Saturday 31 August 2024, 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Saturday 31 August

10:30-4pm drop-in sessions throughout the day (no booking required) 

Experience wild Britain and immerse yourself in the Mesolithic in these hands-on workshops led by the team at Into Wilderness. Using natural materials and primitive techniques you’ll be introduced to the skills and crafts of our early ancestors, discovering ways of life and survival at Star Carr.  

Into Wilderness Bushcraft was founded to share insights and passion for the outdoors with others through first hand experiences of the Nature. 

All activities are free and will take place in the marquee next to the Mesolithic Hut on the main lawn outside the Yorkshire Museum. Participating children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  

View event >

Date: Saturday 31 August 2024, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Included in general admission, three performances throughout the day.

Book tickets for York Castle Museum

Join Phineas Fickletickle with his imaginary enchanted hot air balloon, as he travels round the museum to help his friends get back to their own time period using his collection of magical tinctures. They will visit Medieval, Georgian and Edwardian periods, as well as the 1960s, so there’s plenty to discover and learn. Visitors can follow these promenade performances which will run for 30 minutes at 11 am, 1 pm and 2.30 pm

View event >

Date: Saturday 31 August 2024, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

View event >