The Tower Museum’s famous Armada Shipwreck collection is on the move, as National Museums NI commences restoration work on the key artefacts before they make the transition to their new home in the state-of-the-art new DNA (Derry on the North Atlantic) Museum in Ebrington Square.
The collection will be closed to the public while the essential work is being completed, however visitors can still access the popular Story of Derry and Derry Girls Exhibitions over the coming months.
The ‘Armada Shipwreck ~ La Trinidad Valencera’ exhibition has been a central focus of the museum’s visitor experience, bringing to life the 16th century story of conflict between England and Spain, and the drama and tragedy that unfolded as over 20 Spanish ships foundered off the Donegal coast.
The collection has been on loan to the Museum from National Museums NI since 2004 and is recognised to be of international importance. The transfer is just one element of the Tower Museum’s legacy as the collection will soon become an integral part of the new DNA Museum. Once restored the Armada pieces will remain in storage until they can be rehoused in the new museum which is due to open in early 2027.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said it was an exciting milestone in the project. “The Spanish Armada collection has been a popular attraction at the Museum since 2005, and we are delighted to continue our relationship with National Museums NI in keeping these significant pieces here in the North West, where they were first discovered by local divers. Once restored they will take pride of place in the new DNA museum where they will help tell the wider story of our history and heritage.
“It’s exciting to see preparations well and truly underway in archiving and restoring the collections that will move to the DNA site, where new technology and facilities will really bring these collections to life.”
Among the artefacts are a gun carriage wheel and bronze siege gun, canon and other weaponry, textiles and items recovered from the wreck site discovered at Kinnagoe Bay. The collection also documents the remarkable story of the diving expedition which uncovered the treasure trove of artefacts.
Council’s Head of Culture, Aeidin McCarter, said: “Work is continuing to progress on the delivery of the much-anticipated new DNA Museum which is one of the exciting strategic projects being delivered as part of Derry and Strabane’s City Deal portfolio. The decant and conservation of items from the Tower Museum is an essential part of this process, and will take place gradually over the coming months.
“We are delighted that the new museum will have the capacity to house the majority of collections currently on display in the Tower Museum in the seven new galleries, with DNA becoming our new civic museum, creating a central hub linking to other tourism experiences across the region. I want to thank National Museums NI for their ongoing support and I look forward to seeing the successful transition to the new site.”
William Blair, Director of Collections at National Museums NI said: “The Armada collection, and particularly the story of the La Trinidad Valancera – the ship that foundered off the coast of Donegal in 1588 – has an ensuring resonance with the North West and Derry~Londonderry. It’s time at the Tower Museum has helped share its remarkable story with many thousands of visitors.
“At National Museums NI, we have a responsibility to preserve and protect this important heritage. That’s why we are temporarily bringing the collection back into our care – to conserve it and prepare it for public display at its new home in the DNA Museum, where it can continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.”
The DNA Museum once completed will also include a dedicated archive discovery zone, access to genealogy advice, a temporary exhibition space, multi-purpose learning and events space, café, retail and external interpretation space.
The galleries will be dedicated to telling the story of the city and wider North West area and will complement the existing museum and heritage venue offering throughout the city. A new website is also being developed to provide enhanced digital collections and online learning resources accessible to everyone.
Council has successfully completed a Tender process and is currently working with all the relevant project partners on the appointment of a contractor which will be announced in the coming weeks, with work expected to begin on site this summer.
Anyone who would like to access the Armada exhibition digitally while awaiting its new iteration in DNA can do so online along with associated collections and archives by visiting: https://towermuseumcollections.com/la-trinidad-valencera/
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