The Grade 2 listed gatehouse of the former Leicester Corporation Gas Works, home of the National Gas Museum.
A 1920s kitchen with gas appliances, one of the displays in the National Gas Museum
The National Gas Museum in Leicester houses the largest collection of objects relating to the gas industry in the world. It was set up in 1977 by the East Midlands Region of British Gas and named after its then chairman, John Doran. It is housed in the Grade 2 listed gatehouse of the former Leicester Corporation gas works, built in 1878.
The museum was recently described in the book Far from the Sodding Crowd: more uncommonly British days out as offering "a journey of gaseous discovery...rich with cultural and social titbits".
The museum contains many fascinating displays which tell the story of making, distributing and using gas since the early 19th century. You can see many unusual appliances including gas heated hairdryers and even a gas radio! A re-creation of a 1920s kitchen shows what domestic life was life before electricity became common in the home.
The National Gas Museum is located in the gatehouse to the British Gas site, Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 7QJ.
The National Gas museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, all year (except Bank Holidays), from 12 noon to 4.30 pm.
Admission is free and there is ample car parking.
Whether you are on your own or visiting as part of a group, you can be sure of a memorable experience and a friendly welcome. The curator will be happy to conduct tours for groups by appointment.
For further information about visiting the museum, and to contact the curator
telephone 0116 250 3190
e-mail
information@gasmuseum.co.uk.