A tribute to a legendary Leeds gig venue which hosted iconic acts Oasis and Nirvana is taking centre stage in a celebration of 60 years of the city’s music scene.
The Duchess of York on Vicar Lane, popularly known as The Duchess, was the setting for performances by some of the biggest names in rock and pop before closing its doors in 2000.
Now an impressive recreation of the historic pub is part of Music Leeds Us at Leeds City Museum, which looks back on six decades of unique musical heritage.
Created in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire to mark its 60th anniversary, the exhibition opens tomorrow (10 October 2025) and has gathered memories and stories from more than 70 partners and volunteers, including local music lovers, artists, venues, promoters, and record shops.
Beginning with the founding of the Leeds Conservatoire in 1965, the exhibition traces other huge musical milestones including the Futurama Festival in 1979 and the rise of the Goth scene in the 1980s.
Visitors will also discover the histories of internationally acclaimed Leeds artists including Utah Saints and Corinne Bailey Rae.
The Duchess model was originally created by Small Acts and commissioned by Compass Live Art for Compass Festival 2021 in tribute to the venue itself, which was founded by John Keenan.
The actual Duchess was also awarded a blue plaque by Leeds Civic Trust in 2024 for its significant contribution to the local music scene. Famously, Oasis performed there in 1993 to a tiny audience before returning to a much larger crowd in 1994.
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain also reputedly slept upstairs on a sofa at the venue after their gig in October 1989, two years before the release of their worldwide smash hit album Nevermind.
Alongside the recreation of The Duchess, the exhibition also features a purpose-built sound booth and two working jukeboxes, provided by Leeds-based Sound Leisure, the world’s oldest family-run jukebox company. One is loaded with oral histories gathered for the exhibition and the other with songs by Leeds artists.
Other exhibits include a custom-made guitar used by Utah Saints founder Jez Willis and a violin used by The Legendary Len Liggins, a member of Leeds band The Ukrainians.
Esther Amis-Hughes, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ community engagement manager, said:
The past 60 years have been truly transformational for music in Leeds and have seen some iconic moments that will forever be part of the city’s history.
I’ve been blown away by the passion, diversity, and power of the city to continue to be a source of inspiration through music, and this exhibition has shown me how brilliant people, doing what they love, can make a positive difference.
I hope this exhibition gives people an insight into the power of music in bringing people together, no matter what genre or scene you enjoy.
Professor Joe Wilson, principal at Leeds Conservatoire, added:
Since it opened in 1965 Leeds Conservatoire, formerly Leeds College of Music, has been a pioneer, helping shape and support the musical landscape in Leeds and beyond.
It is a pleasure to be actively involved in this special exhibition which celebrates the people, places and moments that have shaped the city’s musical identity over six decades.
A programme of events and performances, hosted by Leeds City Museum and Leeds Conservatoire, will take place throughout the exhibition’s run and a special celebration day is planned for the opening weekend on Saturday, 11October 2025.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
Leeds has a truly unique musical heritage filled with incredible moments and memories spanning numerous generations and communities.
Over time music has become an integral part of the city’s story and showcasing so many elements together in this exhibition really brings home how much music means to Leeds.
Music Leeds Us is a free exhibition, which runs until 28 June 2026.
The exhibition is supported by Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City Council, Leeds Conservatoire and Arts Council England. As a “give what you can” venue, Leeds City Museum welcomes all donations.
