GladiatorsHeroes of the Colosseum
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Step into the Arena – the Gladiators are Coming to Leeds!
Unleash your inner warrior at Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum - a blockbuster international exhibition storming into the Royal Armouries Museum for summer 2025. See rare Roman artefacts from Pompeii and the Colosseum, discover the gruelling training, battle tactics, and fame of the ancient world’s fiercest fighters, and immerse yourself in the roar of the crowd with thrilling interactive experiences. This is more than history - it’s blood, grit, glory… and you’re on the front row.
For a limited time only. First time in the UK. Only at Royal Armouries Leeds.
What’s in the exhibition?
This immersive, world-leading exhibition separates fact from fiction and illustrates the fascinating world of gladiators, the heroes of ancient arenas across the Roman world.
The exhibition reconstructs the daily lives of gladiators through life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.
Highlights include original artefacts, such as helmets, spearheads and greaves unearthed at the gladiators’ barracks in Pompeii.
- Original artefacts
Displays of rare, surviving pieces, including helmets and other body armour worn by the gladiators themselves over 2,000 years ago. - Lives of the gladiators
Discover the different types of gladiators; their weapons, equipment and fighting styles. Gladiators lived, trained and died for the entertainment and adoration of audiences. This exhibition delves into the everyday lives of these elite warriors, exploring their diet, medical care, as well as their romantic lives. - The arena
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the gladiatorial arena through projections of combat and images of animal hunts, extracted from original Roman artworks. - The Colosseum
As well as the lives of the gladiators, new light will be shed on the significance of the Colosseum, one of the greatest amphitheatres ever built, and still considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was the stage that witnessed the fights and deaths of thousands of gladiators. Find out how it was built, why emperors hosted gladiatorial games, and who attended them. - The armoury
Take the opportunity to handle replica objects and get a feel for the weight and skills needed to wield gladiatorial arms and armour. - A day at the games
Join the crowds and find out what it was like to have a day out at a gladiator spectacula.
Please see the frequently asked questions for additional information.
International partnership
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum is presented by the Royal Armouries in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Expona and Contemporanea Progetti. This is the first time that this international exhibition will be shown in the UK.
The development of this new exhibition space has been supported by grants from The Wolfson Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation.
Tickets
Ticket Prices
- Adult (18+) £6.50
- Concessions £4.00
(Student, Disabled, Universal or Pension Credit Recipients, Art Fund National Art Pass Holder, Leeds Card Holder, Breeze Pass Holder) - Child (4 to 17) £4.00
- 3 and under Free
- Members Free
Time slots
10am to 11am | 11am to 12pm | 12pm to 1pm | 1pm to 2pm | 2pm to 3pm | 3pm to 4pm | 4pm to 5pm
We recommend allowing 45 minutes for your visit to the exhibition.
Please read the ticket terms and conditions before you order from us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the exhibition?
It is on the 4th floor of the Royal Armouries Museum in the Special Exhibitions Gallery. You can reach it via the stairs or lifts.
When is the exhibition open?
During the opening hours of the museum. Please see ticket booking for available slots to book.
Is Museum entry included with my exhibition ticket?
Entry to the museum is free but we do recommend booking a ticket to enter the museum. Your ticket to the exhibition includes entry to the museum so you don’t need to book a separate ticket.
Is the exhibition family friendly?
Yes, the exhibition is family friendly, with no lower age limit. It contains interactives designed for children, videos, touchscreens, and dioramas (displays). However, the exhibition does contain some themes of violence against humans and animals, and there is a film in the exhibition that displays human skeletal remains.
How long does it take to go round the exhibition?
We recommend around 45 minutes to go round the exhibition. Your timed entry allows you to enter at any time during the one-hour slot on your ticket and to stay for the hour or longer.
Can I take food and drink into the exhibition?
We ask you not to take food and drink into the exhibition to protect the items displayed. There is a café on site on the ground floor of the museum and there are spaces both inside and outside the museum where you can eat and drink food.
What if I am late for my booked slot?
If you arrive within the hour slot on your ticket, you can enter the exhibition any time within that hour and stay for that hour and, if the exhibition is not too busy, stay for longer. If you miss the slot entirely for a reason outside if your control you can contact us on tickets@armouries.org.uk to see if we can move your ticket to a different slot or cancel it. We do not offer refunds automatically but will consider these on a case-by-case basis. Do therefore leave plenty of time to get to the museum.
Can I change my ticket for a different time or date ?
You can change your ticket for another slot online up to 1 hour before the original slot you booked, dependent on availability. If you are having any issues you can contact us on tickets@armouries.org.uk to see if we can move your ticket to a different slot or cancel it. We do not offer refunds automatically but will consider these on a case-by-case basis.
Will you be selling tickets on site at the museum?
Yes we will be selling tickets on site from 28 June when the exhibition opens.
How do I make a group booking?
For groups over 15 people, we recommend emailing tickets@armouries.org.uk and we can advise you.
How do a I make a schools/education booking?
Please email educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk.
Is the Gladiators exhibition wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the exhibition is wheelchair accessible, as are all public areas of the museum. You’ll find our special exhibitions gallery on the 4th floor of the museum, which can be accessed via lifts. We have four manual wheelchairs available for use by visitors. The wheelchairs can be used for the duration of your visit. Please ask at Reception on your arrival.
Is there seating in the exhibition?
While there are no permanent seats in the exhibition, there will be stools available to use. Please ask one of our visitor services team situated in the exhibition space or on arrival when your tickets are being purchased or checked.
Is there a large print guide available for the exhibition?
Yes, there is a large print guide available. Please ask one of our visitor services team situated in the exhibition space or on arrival when your tickets are being purchased or checked.
Is there an audio guide for the exhibition?
Unfortunately, we do not have an audio guide available for this exhibition. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Is any BSL (British sign language) used in this exhibition?
Unfortunately, there is no BSL used in this exhibition. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Do the films used in the exhibition contain subtitles?
Yes, all films in the exhibition will include subtitles and progress bars.
What will the noise levels be like in the exhibition?
The exhibition contains a lot of audio visual and interactive elements, which means there will be noise in the space, especially at peak visiting times. There is an immersive room at the start of the exhibition, with dim lights, projections and sound. If you want to avoid this room, please ask a member of our visitor services team, who will be able to walk you around to start the exhibition from the second room. If you would like to visit the exhibition at a time when it will be quieter, we would suggest booking for the 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM slots in the afternoons and avoiding the mornings and lunch times. We do offer sensory bags including ear defenders for use during your visit if you should need one. Just ask our visitor services team at Reception.
What will the lighting levels be like in the exhibition?
The exhibition has spotlighting, so some areas will be brighter, and some dimmer. There is an immersive room at the start of the exhibition, with dim lights, projections and sound. If you want to avoid this room, please ask a member of our visitor services team, who will be able to walk you around to start the exhibition from the second room.
- There is a video of human skeletal remains included in this exhibition.
- This exhibition contains themes of violence against humans and animals.
Ticket Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions (Terms) apply to any purchase of tickets for Royal Armouries Exhibitions, Events and Experiences.
Please read these Terms carefully before you order tickets from us.
By purchasing tickets, you are entering into an agreement with The Board of Trustees of the Royal Armouries of Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT (we, us, our) on these Terms.
Our registered VAT number is GB 108235928.
Please see our website for more information on general visitor guidance. Visitor Behaviour and Guidance | Royal Armouries
- All tickets are subject to availability.
- Exchanges: Ticket holders may re-schedule their tickets to another date or time slot by using the self-service facility on Ticket Tailor. The exchange must be made at least one hour before the original booking time and date.
- If you have any issues exchanging your ticket for another slot or date, please email tickets@armouries.org.uk. We require a minimum of 72 hours before your visit to facilitate any changes. We will email you to confirm that your request has been processed.
- Tickets for a particular exhibition cannot be exchanged for tickets to other Royal Armouries exhibitions or events.
- Tickets are non-refundable however if you cannot attend the exhibition and wish to cancel please email tickets@armouries.org.uk and we will treat requests on a case by case basis. The more notice you can give us the better to allow us to resell that slot if possible.
- Tickets are valid only for the number of people, on the date and time slot appearing on the face of your ticket(s) and can be used for one admission only, no readmission is allowed. Please check your ticket(s) carefully at time of purchase as not all mistakes can be rectified later.
- Before your ticket purchase is finalised, please make sure the personal details you have provided to us and your ticket requirements are correct. Once your order has been confirmed by you, we cannot accept responsibility for incorrect information provided by you at the time of ordering your ticket(s).
- In circumstances where a concession is claimed, proof of identity and concession entitlement (for example of age or student status) may be required to obtain entry to an Event/Exhibition.
- Member Tickets are for Members only and are limited to 1 ticket per member. Members will be asked to produce proof of identity to verify their membership status.
- We will not be responsible for any tickets that are lost, stolen or destroyed. Replacement tickets will be issued at our discretion.
- Tickets may not be transferred or sold for commercial gain.
- For the safety of visitors, Royal Armouries reserves the right to refuse admission, and may, on occasions conduct security searches.
- Royal Armouries reserves the right to alter or vary the content or timing of the whole or any part of an exhibition due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
- Should cancellation of an Event or Exhibition (or any part of it), be necessary we will attempt to contact you (by email to the email address provided in your order) in advance to arrange substitute tickets. Please check your email inbox before travelling to the Museum to avoid an unnecessary journey should an Event or Exhibition be cancelled.
- Royal Armouries cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property brought to its exhibitions.
