The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a medieval guildhall in the city of York, England. It is a Grade I listed building.
Welcome to the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, a unique building in the heart of historic York. This stunning timber framed building was constructed by a fraternity made up of York citizens to provide a base for charity, worship and business in the centre of the city of the city on the banks of the River Foss. Today, as well as being a fascinating museum it is also a scheduled ancient monument and Grade 1 listed building.
There have been many additions and changes to the Hall over the years, but the main functions of business and charity remain the same today. There are three main rooms in the Hall. The Great Hall is where the Medieval merchants first gathered to conduct their business and to socialise. The Undercroft used as an almshouse to help the sick and the poor until as late as 1900. The Chapel offering spiritual care to the merchants and the inmates of the almshouse.
The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is home to many remarkable collections. Including silver, furniture and paintings, which provide a glimpse into the rich history of the Hall and the people associated with it. A portrait of a Queen sits next to one of a Lord Mayor whilst a Medieval ‘Evidence Chest’ is older than the Hall itself.
The Hall also remains the everyday base for the 160 members of the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York. A Merchant Adventurer was someone who risked or ‘adventured’ his or her own money in overseas trade bringing back goods and wealth to York. They invite you to discover the secrets of this unique guild hall and its 660 years of history.
The Hall will reopen daily from Tuesday 8th September for general admissions with the option of a free audio or written guide. To allow for social distancing, a short delay at the start of the visit may be required – no advanced booking is needed.
Open seven days a week throughout the year, except over Christmas and New Year.
Opening times
Open Daily: 10.00am – 4.30pm
Last Admission is 30 minutes before the Hall closes.
Accessibility
The Hall is fully accessible with level access from the Fossgate entrance. The main entrance on Piccadilly (opposite the Coppergate Centre) has steps down into the gardens.
