Ancient Rome takes centre stage in Leeds this summer as the Royal Armouries Museum hosts Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum, a major exhibition developed in collaboration with the Colosseum in Rome.
The exhibition explores the lives, training and legacy of ancient gladiators through immersive installations, life-sized models and interactive experiences. Visitors can see original artefacts from Pompeii, including gladiatorial weaponry, armour and three rare, intact gladiator helmets, on loan from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. This is the first time the exhibition has been shown in the UK.
To launch the exhibition, Yorkshire Gladiator and TV personality Jodie Ounsley, also known as Fury, helped open the doors and kick off a packed summer programme.
“Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum has already got off to a dazzling start,” said Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Armouries. “The accompanying summer programme of events takes the installation to a whole new level. From mini chariot racing to reenactments, in-depth lectures to evening film screenings, we’re giving everyone a chance to experience the thrill of ancient Rome right here in Leeds.”
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the museum will host a free Roman Festival. Daily highlights include the puppet show Androcles and the Tiger, gladiator training schools, hobby-horse chariot races and an archaeological dig pit. Outside, the square will be transformed into a Roman Forum, with themed food, drink and mead tasting from Nidhoggr Mead Co. The event is free, though booking is advised.
A free lecture series runs alongside the exhibition, both in person and online. On 6 August, Dr Simon Elliott will explore Roman special forces and operations. On 3 September, Dr Jaime Kaminski will deliver a talk on the gladius, ancient Rome’s most iconic weapon.
Film lovers can enjoy special screenings of Gladiator on 17 September and Gladiator II on 8 October. Tickets cost £12 and include exclusive access to the exhibition before the films.
On 26–27 September, the museum hosts a two-day academic conference exploring the relationship between combat, sport and war in ancient Rome. The event brings together international scholars and rare artefacts in a setting built for study and spectacle. Tickets start from £15.
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum is ticketed, with prices at £6.50 for adults, £4 for concessions and children aged 4–17. Entry for children aged 3 and under is free. General museum entry remains free.
The exhibition is presented by the Royal Armouries in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Expona and Contemporanea Progetti. It is supported by grants from The Wolfson Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation.
Tickets are available now at: royalarmouries.org
