Tower Museum

The Story of Derry exhibition has just re-opened following refurbishment. It has been fitted with new display cases, enhanced visitor orientation and a range of updated audiovisuals. Alongside these improvements there are new displays dealing with the 20th century city and taking the Story of Derry up to the 21st century.

Derry city is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in Ireland and has a fascinating history. The Story of Derry exhibition at the Tower Museum uses a wide range of techniques and artefacts to narrate the story from monastic times, Plantation, Siege of Derry, through to the growth of Derry during the 18th and 19th centuries. The city played its own part in the dramatic events of the early 20th century and during Partition. Life during the 20th century is also outlined, in particular the build up to the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the Troubles on the people living here. The exhibition ends with a glimpse of where the city is today.

An Armada shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera narrates the story of La Trinidad Valencera, one of the largest ships in the Armada Fleet. In 1588 it foundered in Kinnagoe Bay in Co. Donegal during a violent storm and was discovered nearly 400 years later by divers from the City of Derry Sub Aqua Club. The exhibition tells the story of the people involved, the soldiers and sailors aboard the Trinidad Valencera and the divers and archaeologists who discovered and excavated the ship.
An array of exciting artefacts on loan from the Ulster Museum, recovered from the ship includes cannons, textiles, pottery, wooden bowls, pewter dishes, goblets, coins and shoes along with many other items. Innovative exhibition design and layout encourage a sense of exploration and discovery while audio-visual and interactive displays offer a wealth of information for student, visitor and tourist alike. Audio guides of the exhibition are available in a choice of six languages. There’s also a Discussion Trail, aimed primarily at schoolchildren, which encourages those visiting the exhibition to use lessons from the history of the Elizabethan era to look at conflict resolution in today’s society. Other educational resources are also available- see Education section.

The exhibition is spread out over four floors and is accessible by lift or stairs. A guide to the exhibition is available in alternative formats on request, in large print, computer disk, PDF, Braille, audio-tape and minority ethnic languages.

For further information on the Tower Museum contact :
Duty Manager – Terence O’Kane 028 7137 2411
Receptionist – Sylvia Kavanagh 028 7137 2411
Email: museums@derrycity.gov.uk

Opening Hours - Tues - Sat 10 am to 5pm (last admission 4.30 pm)
For seasonal opening contact the Tower Museum

Admission – Individual £4.00
Group rate £2.50
School rate £1.50
Admission to the Tower Museum covers both exhibitions.