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Newarke Houses Museum re-opened to the public after a £1.5 million refurbishment.
The refurbishment has been funded by a £1 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant and a further £250,000 each from Leicester City Council and the Royal Leicestershire Regimental Association. The first floor of the museum will be home to permanent displays about The Royal Leicestershire Regiment - 'The Tigers'.
The museum includes new displays in the galleries on the ground floor, which tell the story of Leicester and its people in the 20th century. Highlights at the museum are the reconstruction of a First World War trench, living rooms from the 1950's and 1970's, street scenes, and stories from local people. The museum also includes a cinema experience, a collection of toys from Tudor to present day and a play area for children to try various games.
The community galleries- 'My Home' and 'Moving Here'- tell the stories of different communities in Leicester and displays will change annually. The St Matthew's community has contributed to the first displays.
There are also some old favourites to enjoy. The 1920's drapers shop that used to be displayed at the former costume museum is now at Newarke Houses. This leads on to a re-creation of a scene inspired by 1950's Wharf Street, including a chemist, grocer, pawnbroker and a pub, complete with sounds and conversations from the times. There is also a new gallery dedicated to Leicester's infamous son, Daniel Lambert
A variety of different techniques tell these stories, including oral histories, archive film, computer interactives and newly acquired objects.
The general theme 'Ordinary People: Extraordinary Lives' underpins the museum displays.
Opening Times
Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm,
Sunday 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Admission: FREE
Closed 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December and 1st January.
Address
Newarke Houses Museum
The Newarke,
Leicester,
LE2 7BY
Tel: 0116 225 4980
email:museums@leicester.gov.uk
Map of the Area
Related Links
 The National Cirtual Museum
Leicester City Museums
Leicester Through Lens
Museums Main Page
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