York Minster awarded prestigious museum accreditation

York Minster has been awarded renewed Accredited Museum status for its Undercroft Museum, Treasury and Crypts, recognising its exceptional standards in collections management, visitor experience and public engagement.

The award follows a rigorous assessment process examining the cathedral’s governance, strategic planning, security and health and safety protocols, specialised collections care, and public engagement. Administered by Arts Council England, the scheme recognises museums and galleries which meet nationally agreed standards.  

York Minster cares for over 300,000 historically significant objects, with the oldest dating back to the Roman Fortress that was located on the same site almost 2000 years ago. Many of these are displayed in the Undercroft Museum at the very heart of the cathedral, beneath the Central Tower. The museum features interactive displays and hands-on activities that bring history to life.  

Precious items found in the Undercroft Museum include the Horn of Ulf, an oliphant gifted to the cathedral by a Viking nobleman; the York Gospels, an illuminated manuscript that arrived in the city 1000 years ago which is still in use today; and items buried with Archbishop Walter de Gray, whose vision and ambition helped establish York Minster as one of the greatest churches in the kingdom. 

In the Treasury, visitors can view part of the Roman Principia, the administrative and religious centre of the Roman fort on which the cathedral is built, through a glass floor, and explore temporary exhibitions that showcase unique selections from the Minster’s collections.  

The Crypt is a sacred space which houses the tomb of Saint William of York, the only saint to be buried at the cathedral. His stone coffin has been worn smooth, a testament to the countless pilgrims that have reached out their hands and touched it over the centuries.  

Dr Helen Rawson, York Minster’s Director of Collections, Cultural Heritage and Learning, paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of staff and volunteers across the cathedral: “The award recognises not only the high standards of care and management of York Minster’s extraordinary collections, but the fantastic exhibitions, events, and programmes which provide opportunities for public engagement for our diverse audiences across the year. Our fun, family-focused activities include hands-on interactives in the Undercroft Museum, Little Explorers’ Backpacks equipped with torches and binoculars, and the exciting new Dragon Quest, tracking mythical beasts across the cathedral. 

“Our wide-ranging programme of temporary exhibitions currently focuses on the UK’s only national memorial to women killed in service in the First World War, in York Minster; and the conservation of the medieval St Cuthbert Window, allowing visitors to get up close to the extraordinary stained glass. There is so much to see and do.” 

She added: “Entry to the Undercroft Museum, Treasury, and Crypts is included with a general admission ticket to York Minster, offering all our visitors the opportunity to explore our cathedral’s remarkable heritage.”