York Minster

Exhibitions and Events

The Minster holds a wide range of exhibitions and events that reflect its purpose and daily life.  Our Events Calendar gives details of all services, exhibitions and events currently happening in the Minster. 

If you would like further information on services please see our Services page. 

Visit the Calendar to see the list of exhibitions, concerts and events at the Minster coming up over the next few months. 

Stories and Memories Exhibition

‘Stories and Memories’ is in the Western Crypt of the museum at York Minster, and runs from Monday 19th October until the end of February 2010.  It consists of a series of panels which display the stories and memories from the employees and volunteers at York Minster who support the daily life of the Minster.

There are over 200 employees and 300 volunteers at York Minster who have dedicated a significant amount of time to the building itself and to God’s work. Many of them have fond memories and stories about their time in the Minster.

Amongst the stories and memories on display are those from Geoff Brayshaw, Foreman Joiner, and Richard Shephard, Director of Development, regarding their memories of the 1984 fire and its aftermath. The Dean and Verger Rob Flynn have both contributed their memories of spiritual moments which have taken place in the Minster.

David Potter, President of the York Minster Society of Change Ringers, has shared his story about the clapper of Great Peter falling in October 1982, whilst others have shared their memories of Archbishop John Sentamu’s inauguration in 2005.

Vicky Harrison, Collections Manager, said, ‘Stories and Memories is the first in a series of temporary exhibitions to be hosted in the museum.  We want to explore various aspects of the Minster’s role and functions in the past, present and future.  ‘Stories and Memories’ draws on the experiences of our staff and volunteers and helps to discover the many ways in which the building is used, viewed and enjoyed.’

Beth Hughes completed her MA in History of Art at York University in 2008 and since then has been volunteering with the Minster in one way or another. Beth has also been working at the National Media Museum as a Museum Interpreter in their learning team, where she interprets objects and displays for learning opportunities.

Beth said, ‘‘Stories and Memories’ comes from my passion for church art and church history. I really enjoyed finding out about the different roles at the Minster, the events which have taken place and what the church means to its employees and volunteers. ‘