Derry success story honoured as iconic Tower Museum exhibition closes

A special celebration event took place in the Tower Museum on Saturday evening, marking the end of an era for the popular tourist attraction, as staff gathered to remember over 30 years of telling the heritage story of Derry and the North West.

The event was held as the long-running ‘The Story of Derry’ exhibition finally closed its doors, ahead of the decant of collections to the new DNA Museum at Ebrington.

The evening brought together past and present staff members who have contributed to the success of the museum over the years recognising the dedication, expertise and passion that have shaped one of the city’s most important cultural venues.

Since opening its doors in 1992, ‘The Story of Derry’ exhibition has introduced generations of visitors to the rich and complex history of the City and District. Through carefully curated displays, guided tours, educational programmes and community engagement, the exhibition has helped foster a deeper understanding of Derry’s heritage.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, paid tribute to all those who have been part of the museum’s journey.

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“It was a pleasure to recognise the museum staff who have been such fantastic ambassadors for our city over the years, from the guides and learning staff who educate and inspire, to the curatorial and archive team who have created and cared for the collections. Not to mention the volunteers who gave so generously of their time and expertise, and the managers who have played a vital role in making the Tower Museum the award-winning visitor experience it is today.

“They have made the visitor experience both meaningful and memorable and helped create an important legacy that will be carried forward into the new museum. As we prepare to close the Story of Derry Exhibition I would like to thank everyone and I look forward to the next chapter at the DNA Museum.”

Throughout January and February thousands of visitors have been availing of free entry to get a final tour of the exhibition before it finally closed its doors. Museum Service Manager, Margaret Edwards, said they have been delighted to see so many schools and community organisations enjoying a last visit in recent weeks.

“Over the past 30 years, the exhibition has played a central role in telling the story of our city to local communities and visitors from around the world,” she said.

“We are incredibly proud of the team - past and present - who have worked hard to deliver the most engaging experience possible for our audiences, and will continue to do so until we make the move to Ebrington.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, pictured with members of the Tower Museum team including Director of Business and Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Stephen Gillespie, DCSDC Head of Culture Aeidin McCarter, Bernadette Walsh, Margaret Edwards, Tony Boyle and Roisin Doherty at a special event held in the Tower Museum at the weekend marking the closure of the Story of Derry Exhibition.

“Our focus as a team is on preserving our heritage while reimagining how it can be experienced by future generations. The legacy of the Tower Museum will live on in the new museum, strengthened by the expertise and dedication of our staff.”

Two additional events marking the closure will take place in the coming weeks bringing people together to reflect on the legacy of the Tower Museum.

On March 29 a special Panel Discussion will take place in the Guildhall, focusing on Legacy and Transition, bringing together key voices in heritage, tourism, museum practice and cultural development.

On April 26 the public will have one last opportunity to visit the Story of Derry exhibition, with a public celebration signalling the beginning of a new era as we look ahead to the opening of the state-of-the-art new DNA Museum, set to complete in Spring 2027.