The Tower Museum in L'Derry has received a major facilities upgrade thanks to funding from Ilex through the Department for Social Development's UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund.

To mark the completion of this £157,750 makeover, a family fun day of events is being scheduled in the museum on Saturday 13 April. Admission to the museum will be free and will include free family entertainment and face painting.

The works include the installation of a new reception area at the Craft Village entrance to the Museum and a new shop front for the education room. The main reception area of the Museum also received a facelift with the replacement of fixtures and fittings while the cinema and auditorium area have a new heating system. Work was carried out within the Story of Derry exhibition to update the contemporary elements of the story with the inclusion of new objects and archives.

-- Advertisement --

A key element of the works was the creation of a new Discovery Zone on level one of the Museum. This is an exciting new space using a range of interactive elements to encourage visitors to explore and find out more about our rich heritage in a fun and engaging way. It covers a range of diverse themes such as Archaeology, Early People, Colmcille, Woodlands and the Contemporary City.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide financial support for this project. The enhanced facilities will improve the visitor experience for users of the Museum during the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations and beyond."

(CD)