Guildhall and Tower Museum reopen to the public with limited capacity

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Brian Tierney, gets a welcome coffee and snack at the Guild Coffee Shop, Guildhall on Tuesday morning to mark the re-opening of the Guildhall building to the public after the Coronavirus Pandemic. Included are Claire McGowan, Amy McDaid and Caitlyn Crossan.

The venues are however operating with a reduced capacity and shorter opening hours of 11am – 4pm while a number of measures are in place to ensure social distancing and hand sanitising.

Mayor Brian Tierney welcomed the return of visitor services.

“I am delighted to see these two key visitor venues reopening to the public and I would like to congratulate the staff for their work to ensure it is a safe and enjoyable experience for the public,” he said. “Council Officers have developed some excellent online experiences during the lockdown period such as virtual tours and exhibitions but it will be great to offer the public the chance to be inside these stunning buildings again.

GUILDHALL RE-OPENING. . . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Brian Tierney, pictured at the Guildhall on Tuesday to mark the re-opening of the building to the public after the Coronavirus Pandemic. Included is Michelle Murrray, DCSDC. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

“While our international visitor numbers will be severely restricted this year there are already visitors coming to the city from all over Ireland and I am pleased they will get the chance to experience the Guildhall and Tower Museum again.”

He added: “I would appeal to anyone visiting to be patient, the venues are operating at reduced capacity so there may be queues at busy times, and please follow the signage and advice of staff to ensure social distancing and a safe and enjoyable user experience for all.”

The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most recognisable landmarks and has been at the heart of city life since 1890.

As well as being home to the Council’s chamber and Mayor’s Parlour, it is a major visitor destination where the public can see the stunning stained glass windows, take in an exhibition on the Plantation of Ulster, visit the main hall and organ or enjoy refreshments in the cafe.

TOWER MUSEUM RE-OPENING. . . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Brian Tierney, pictured with some of the first visitors at the Tower Museum on Tuesday morning to mark the re-opening of the building to the public after the Coronavirus Pandemic. Included on right is David Toland, DCSDC. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

The Guildhall will also provide a temporary home to the offices of Visit Derry until they move to their new premises in the autumn.

The Tower Museum hosts a range of exhibitions celebrating the region’s rich history including the Story of Derry exhibition.

Education and learning is at the heart of the museum’s ethos and a wide range of learning programmes helps to make local heritage available to all, especially younger citizens.

Full details of the Guildhall and Tower Museum’s offering are available at www.derrystrabane.com/guildhall and www.derrystrabane.com/towermuseum.