Last chance to visit the Story of Derry exhibition at the Tower Museum

The new year will mark the beginning of the final chapter for one of Derry’s most iconic visitor attractions, as the Tower Museum prepares to bid farewell to its long-running Story of Derry exhibition.

After more than three decades of educating and inspiring visitors, the exhibition will officially close its doors on March 1, 2026, with free admission offered throughout January and February.

First opened in 1992, the Story of Derry has welcomed audiences from across the world, charting the City’s journey from its earliest settlements through to the present day. The exhibition has been a cornerstone of the Tower Museum’s award-winning visitor experience, providing rich insights into the people, culture, and events that have shaped the region.

As part of the wind-down, schools, community groups, heritage organisations, and local residents are encouraged to take this final opportunity to explore the much-loved displays before key collection items are carefully prepared for their relocation to the forthcoming DNA (Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic) Museum at Ebrington.

A programme of special events, talks, tours and activities will take place throughout January and February, offering a chance to reflect on the exhibition’s legacy and celebrate the Tower Museum’s contribution to preserving and showcasing the heritage of the City and District for locals and visitors alike. The events will also look ahead to a new era, as the Council’s award-winning museum team prepare for the opening of the new DNA Museum in spring 2027.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said while it was the end of one chapter for the museum it was also an exciting time of new beginnings.

“Over the years, the museum service has proudly amassed and developed a significant collection for the City and now the wider District. The Story of Derry exhibition has played a hugely important role in telling our city’s story to generations of local people and visitors from around the world. As we prepare for its closure, I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the free access in these final weeks and enjoy this cherished part of our cultural landscape one last time.

“Thousands of visitors have benefited from access to our collections over the years, alongside the ongoing outreach, engagement, and education programmes our team has delivered.

"While it is the end of an era, it is also the beginning of an exciting new chapter with the development of the DNA Museum, which will allow us to use new technologies and approaches to explore our city’s rich tapestry of stories - from emigration and trade to cultural heritage and global connections - in innovative and engaging new ways.”

Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said the Tower Museum held many special memories for local people down through the years.

“We are extremely proud of our museum service, we were one of the first local authorities in Northern Ireland to have a dedicated museum service, established in 1989 by the esteemed historian Dr. Brian Lacey and his former and late colleague Dermot Francis. The Tower Museum and Story of Derry opened in 1992, over 30 years ago, finding a wonderful home in the O’Doherty Fort, completed by the Inner City Trust in 1989.

“For over 30 years, the Story of Derry has been at the heart of our museum offering and has created lasting memories for countless visitors. Its closure allows us to begin the careful process of redistributing key artefacts as we prepare for the next stage of our museum journey.

“The DNA Museum will build on this strong foundation and create a world-class space that tells our story with even greater depth and digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming the public to join us in celebrating the legacy of this much-loved exhibition over the coming months.”

Following the closure of the Story of Derry exhibition, the Tower Museum building will remain open, and visitors can continue to enjoy the popular Derry Girls Experience currently on show as well as a special DNA Museum pop up display. The building will remain an important Council asset and plans are being considered for its use as part of the wider City Deal vision for the City Centre and Walled City.

The Tower Museum will publish full details of upcoming events and programming in January. For more information on how to book a free tour in the new year, please email tower.reception@derrystrabane.