About

Derry City & Strabane District Council is the second largest local authority in Northern Ireland.  The Museum & Visitor Service includes the management, development and day-to day operations of a number of venues including the Tower Museum, the Guildhall, Harbour House, the Alley Theatre and Museum Stores.

Our vision is to manage, collect, conserve, interpret and promote the history and heritage of the Council region by delivering world class visitor experiences through our Museum and Visitor attractions, through our learning programmes and the provision of an Archive and Genealogy Service.

The Tower Museum is an accredited Museum which opened in 1992.  The ‘Story of Derry’ exhibition shares the story of our city from early settlement through to the Plantation of Londonderry and onto the growth of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries.  Life during the 20th century is also explored, in particular the build up to the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the period known as ‘the Troubles’ on the people living here.

The Guildhall includes a temporary display focused on John Hume and the Nobel Peace Prize, supported by the Hume Foundation, the exhibition explores the role played by John, and Pat Hume, in the peace process.

Located within the historic city walls, the Tower Museum is considered a safe and accessible space for communities.  The staff have extensive experience in working with groups, of all ages, from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and further afield on a range of subjects using a variety of collections.

Heritage

Collections & Access

The Museum and Archive collection is extensive and covers themes from early pre historic times to the present day.  For this particular project, the collection covers themes of conflict, politics, civil rights and trade unions, addressing social, cultural and economic issues on the everyday life of people and communities.  The collection includes significant items linked to the period known as ‘the Troubles’, including archives, photographs, artwork, textiles, costume, weapons and armour, and ephemera.

Access to the collection is provided through our permanent galleries in the Tower Museum, in particular the ‘Story of Derry’ exhibition and through temporary and traveling exhibitions, events, education programmes and digital content.   Collections in storage, including archive collections, can be accessed by request through appointment.

Further details on access to: tower@derrystrabane.com