Major new opening at York Minster for Spring Bank Holiday
Volunteers sought for “Revealing York Minster”, opening Saturday 25 May 2013
There will be an important date added to York Minster’s historical timeline on Saturday 25 May 2013, when a brand new visitor experience, Revealing York Minster, opens to the public.
Revealing York Minster is a network of new interactive galleries, housed in the Undercroft and Treasury below the historic cathedral, which tells the colourful story of York Minster, from the lives of the Roman garrison to the work of the staff, clergy and volunteers in the 21stcentury.
“Our visitors generally spend their time marvelling at the architecture of the building and the stunning stained glass works, but seeing the building as it is today only tells part of York Minster’s rich history, which stretches back to the time of the Roman city of Eboracum, centuries before the first Minster was built,” comments the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, Dean of York. “Revealing York Minster is effectively a visitor attraction in its own right which tells the story of this site through history, illustrated by real archaeological finds and artefacts collected and stored in our archives.”
With the opening less than three months away, York Minster’s visitor services team is now recruiting volunteers to help visitors explore the new attraction. “Revealing York Minster is an interactive attraction, with lots of things to see and touch, so we are looking for people who are keen to share this new experience with our visitors from around the world – a friendly face to make sure that they get the most out of their visit, and act as ambassadors for this world-renowned cathedral,” says visitor services manager, Michael Constantine. “We have a superb team of guides working on the Minster floor, now we need to match that in our underground attraction!”
Anyone interested in volunteering in Revealing York Minster should contact Susan Mason, volunteering manager, on 0844 9390023 ext 2360 or email: susanm@yorkminster.org for details.
Revealing York Minster is the latest part to be completed of the £20 million York Minster Revealed project, York Minster Revealed, a five-year project generously supported by a £10.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which incorporates the largest restoration and conservation project of its kind in the UK. The 108 restored panels from the Great East Window will be reinstalled by the summer of 2016.
For more information, please visit www.yorkminster.org
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About York Minster Revealed
The York Minster Revealed project is a five-year project scheduled for completion in early summer 2016. It is the largest restoration and conservation project of its kind in the UK. The cost of the whole York Minster Revealed Project is £20 million, of which £10.5m has been generously supported with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The remainder of the fund has been raised by York Minster.
State-of-the-art multi-media galleries, new displays of historic collections and interactive interpretations will create new learning opportunities for all ages. Also improved access to the South Transept, Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt will totally transform the experience of visiting York Minster.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 34,000 projects with more than £5billion across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk.
Pictures show:
- An Anglo Saxon coin (Sceatta) found during archaeological excavations in the Undercroft, that will be included in the new displays
- The Orb, the previous part of the York Minster Revealed project, which opened in October 2012
- A view of York Minster
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO York Minster
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
