It is operated by the Jorvik Group (part of York Archaeological Trust) and uses maps, display screens and video presentations to tell the story of the fortifications surrounding the city.

[1] Before 2014 the Micklegate Bar Museum had covered a wide historical range, telling the story of York from Roman times through to the 20th century.

[5] The museum at Micklegate Bar explored the early life of Henry VII as a Lancastrian in exile, his reign as king after the Wars of the Roses and the impact of the establishment of the Tudor royal dynasty on the city of York.

It did this through a combination of interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, displays of items such as suits of armour and 'grisly facts' from Terry Deary (writer of Horrible Histories).

When its larger sites reopened in July 2020, both the Richard III and Henry VII experiences remained closed owing to their limited capacity for social distancing.