Leicester Cathedral has announced the completion of its long-awaited Heritage & Learning Centre, a state-of-the-art extension designed to honour the Cathedral’s historic roots while engaging visitors with innovative educational and cultural experiences.
The centre will officially open to the public on Saturday 14 June 2025, marking a major milestone in the lead-up to the Cathedral’s centenary in 2027.
Picture: Leicester Cathedral
Situated facing the picturesque Cathedral Gardens, the new centre boasts an immersive exhibition space that showcases Leicester’s rich past—from Roman times through the medieval period and into the present day. Through curated collections and contemporary storytelling, visitors are invited to reflect on themes of faith, art, and heritage, and to explore the wider cultural narratives that have shaped both the Cathedral and the city.
More than just a museum, the Heritage & Learning Centre includes a dynamic educational suite designed for schools and community groups. It will host guided tours, lectures, and interactive workshops, offering all ages the opportunity to engage with Leicester’s heritage in meaningful and accessible ways.
Additional facilities such as toilets, offices, and storage spaces ensure the Cathedral can operate as a functional and welcoming 21st-century venue without compromising its sacred character. The centre also supports the ongoing mission of Leicester Cathedral to be a spiritual, educational, and cultural hub for the region.
Developed in partnership with van Heyningen and Haward Architects and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is a key component of the broader Leicester Cathedral Revealed initiative.
To celebrate the opening, members of the public are invited to attend a day of festivities starting at 11:00am on 14 June. Highlights include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, family-friendly activities, and special giveaways: the first 100 visitors will receive a complimentary gift bag, and the first 50 National Lottery players to present a ticket will be given a free copy of the Cathedral’s new guidebook.
The Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester, expressed her excitement about the new chapter in the Cathedral’s story: “The opening of the Heritage & Learning Centre is a transformative moment for Leicester Cathedral and prepares us for the next 100 years,” she said.
“We are thrilled to offer visitors a space where they can reflect on the Cathedral’s enduring history, interact with its stories, and engage with learning opportunities that illuminate our shared heritage.
This project has restored and renewed this ancient building and helps us balance the needs of worship, cultural tourism, education, community engagement, and pilgrimage. While the construction phase has finished, our work continues—sharing stories, celebrating creativity, and welcoming everyone.”
