From Cradle to Grave

This exhibition focuses on the history of three rites of passage birth, marriage and death.

Visitors can also see examples of many of the nursery and childcare items used during the last three hundred years including cradles, christening gifts and some superb christening gowns.

Outfits from our collection of wedding clothes make a centrepiece for our weddings theme, together with wedding gifts, trousseau items, and even a Victorian wedding cake.

An Edwardian hearse forms a dramatic centrepiece to the displays about death. There are mourning clothes and jewellery, a funeral biscuit, and coffin furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.


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Exhibitions and events

Seeing it Through

Permanent exhibition

This exhibition shows how the Second World War affected the everyday lives of people in Britain by using the experiences, artefacts, costumes, photographs and ephemera of the people of York....

The Sixties

Permanent exhibition

The Sixties aims to recreate the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life. The gallery uses fascinating and iconic objects from our...

Toy Stories

Permanent exhibition

Take a trip back to your childhood and rediscover some of your favourite toys in this new exhibition. Bikes, bath toys, computer games, Lego and beautiful handmade dolls are among the toys on show...

From Cradle to Grave

Permanent exhibition

This exhibition focuses on the history of three rites of passage - birth, marriage and death. Visitors can see examples of many of the nursery and childcare items used during the last three hundred...

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