West Yorkshire’s local authority museums contributed over £34 million to the regional economy last year and attracted over 1.7 million visitors through their doors.
The information has been released on a new video highlighting the amazing attractions across the county and encouraging people to take pride in their local museums and galleries.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“Our museums are some of our most-loved attractions and it’s wonderful news that along with our West Yorkshire neighbours they’ve contributed so much to the regional economy.
“Of course the value of museums in not just in monetary terms; the varied exhibitions, permanent collections and historic halls contribute so much to our cultural understanding – inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of so many people.”
Sarah Maxfield, Area Director North – Arts Council England, added:
“England has some of the finest regional museums in the world, with extraordinary collections ranging from the earliest prehistory to modern art and science. It’s great to see the social and economic benefits West Yorkshire’s museums provide presented in such a creative and lively way in this video.”
West Yorkshire’s museums burst with world history, culture and local heritage, from prehistoric monsters and treasures of Ancient Rome and Egypt to a real Victorian street. From liquorice in Pontefract to the Duke of Wellington’s very own Wellington boots in Halifax.
Local art galleries house masterpieces by Moore and Lowry in Huddersfield, Hockney in Bradford and one of the best British art collections outside London in Leeds. Other attractions include historic halls and houses, watermills and ruined monasteries, castles and country estates, as well as beautiful parkland walks.
ENDS