City museum to get a facelift

The museum will remain closed for the duration of the refurbishment, from November 12, 2012 – January 2, 2013, and will result in better visitor services at the museum’s main entrance, an enhanced entrance via the Craft Village and improvements made to the existing Story of Derry exhibition.

Further work will continue into February to develop an exciting new discovery zone where visitors of all ages will be able to explore, engage and experience even more fascinating displays.

Margaret Edwards, Education Officer with Derry City Council’s Heritage & Museum Service, said: “We want the new discovery zone at the Tower Museum to be both informative and engaging - not just a matter of pushing a button or reading a screen.

“We want our visitors to be able to participate and get them thinking about what they are discovering - but in a fun way.

“The activities will be suitable for a range of ages and abilities and will have a real family focus and with plenty of things for groups to participate in together. We want people to really enjoy the whole experience and leave with a fresh perspective on our local history.”

The central theme of the new discovery space will be the changing landscape, as it evolves from its prehistoric beginnings right through to the 21st century, focusing on several key areas and themes.

Throughout the closure history lovers can still brush up on their local heritage at a number of other museum facilities in the city, with a series of events planned throughout Hallowe’en and Christmas.

These include the Foyle Valley Railway Museum, which will be staging a number of family friendly activities over Hallowe’en and the festive season. Join Pat Mulkeen for a spooky story-telling extravaganza from Monday October 29 - Wednesday October 31, 1pm-2pm, perfect for ghouls and boo-oys with a vivid imagination.

Regular services at the Foyle Valley Railway Museum also include its popular genealogy service, where visitors can have full access to council archives to assist in tracing their heritage.

Work is also underway to improve displays at the Workhouse Museum, which provides a unique insight into life in a Victorian Workhouse, and will be offering some family fun events throughout the Hallowe’en festival.

Bring your little witches and wizards along for a terror-ific time with tales of ghosts and ghouls and all things scary, sessions run from 3-4.30pm from Monday October 29-Wednesday October 31.