Tower Museum

Tower Museum The award winning Tower Museum is located within the city’s historic walls. The Tower is open Monday to Sunday from 9am – 4pm. And our city’s regeneration.
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The award winning Tower Museum is located within the city’s historic walls at Union Hall Place. Specialist Features:

- Lecture room seating 70 people for talks and lectures
- Education Programme for formal and informal learning.
- Education Room seating 30 people for specialist lessons and lectures
- Travelling / Temporary Exhibitions are on display throughout the year

Permanent exhibitions at t

he museum include The Story of Derry and the An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera. The Story of Derry exhibition narrates the story from Monastic times, the Plantation of Londonderry, the Siege of Derry, through to the growth of Derry during the 18th and 19th centuries. Life during the 20th century is also included with the build up to the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the Troubles. An Armada shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera exhibition tells the story of La Trinidad Valencera, one of the largest ships in the Armada Fleet. In 1588 it foundered in Kinnegoe Bay in Co. Donegal during a violent storm and was discovered nearly 400 years later by divers from the City of Derry Sub Aqua Club. An array of exciting artefacts on loan from the Ulster Museum, recovered from the ship includes cannons, textiles, pottery, wooden bowls, pewter dishes, goblets, coins and shoes along with many other items.

Step into the DNA Marquee at the Foyle Maritime Festival and get a first look at what’s coming to The DNA Museum (Derry ...
17/06/2026

Step into the DNA Marquee at the Foyle Maritime Festival and get a first look at what’s coming to The DNA Museum (Derry ~ Londonderry on the North Atlantic), opening in 2027.

This impression of the new museum is just the beginning. From thousands of years of history to the stories that shaped our city, our district and our place in the world, there’s plenty to explore.

With a theme of Bridges and Connections, the DNA Marquee will bring history to life with family activities, our Shirt Factory benches, fascinating material from the archives and collections, and an interactive AI photobooth.

And keep an eye out for some special visitors along the way - including Amelia Earhart and Andrew Watt, ready to share stories and spark imaginations.
Come along and discover the connections that link our past, present and future.

📅25th - 28th June
🕐12noon - 7pm
🔗More information: https://pulse.ly/ai2fhsfcsy
📷Courtesy of DCSDC Museum & Archive collections

Art on Your Doorstep: The Lavergne Family BreakfastArtist: Jean-Étienne Liotard Year: 1754 Location: Acorn Farm Look c...
17/06/2026

Art on Your Doorstep: The Lavergne Family Breakfast

Artist: Jean-Étienne Liotard

Year: 1754

Location: Acorn Farm

Look closer… what do you see?

At first glance, this painting might seem like a simple family breakfast scene.

But take another look…

The Lavergne family are captured in a quiet everyday moment — tea being poured, conversation shared, and the calm rhythm of the morning unfolding around the table.

Instead of creating a grand formal portrait, Jean-Étienne Liotard focuses on the small details that make the scene feel real and familiar.

Liotard was known for his incredibly precise painting style. The delicate porcelain cups, soft fabrics, and reflections on the glassware are painted so carefully they almost feel photographic.

Look closely at how the light catches the tableware, bringing warmth and quiet elegance into the room.

It’s a glimpse into family life in the 18th century — showing that even ordinary moments can tell powerful stories.

What details stand out to you in this scene?

See it at Acorn Farm as part of Art on Your Doorstep

Jean-Étienne Liotard, The Lavergne Family Breakfast, 1754

Accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by HM Government from the estate of George Pinto and allocated to the National Gallery, 2019

© National Gallery , London



Alt text: A detailed painting showing a family gathered around a breakfast table in an elegant 18th-century interior. A woman pours tea while others sit and converse quietly around the table. Fine porcelain cups, glassware, and soft fabrics are carefully painted, with gentle light reflecting across the scene to create a calm and intimate atmosphere.

Art on Your Doorstep: The Arnolfini PortraitArtist: Jan van Eyck Year: 1434 Location: Newtonstewart Castle Look closer…...
10/06/2026

Art on Your Doorstep: The Arnolfini Portrait

Artist: Jan van Eyck

Year: 1434

Location: Newtonstewart Castle

Look closer… what do you see?

At first glance, this might look like a simple portrait of a wealthy couple standing in their home.

But take another look…

Every object in the room seems carefully chosen and painted with incredible detail — from the glowing chandelier above to the fruit resting on the table.

Jan van Eyck fills the scene with small clues that help tell a larger story about wealth, marriage, and domestic life in the 15th century.

His remarkable attention to detail makes the painting feel almost lifelike, inviting us to explore every corner of the room.

Look closely at the tiny mirror on the back wall. Reflected within it are two additional figures entering the space, adding mystery and another layer to the story unfolding before us.

Even the smallest details seem to carry meaning.

Which detail catches your eye first?

See it at NTS as part of Art on Your Doorstep

Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434

Bought, 1842

© The National Gallery, London



Alt text: A detailed portrait showing a wealthy man and woman standing together inside a richly furnished room. The interior contains carefully painted objects including a chandelier, mirror, fruit, and fabrics. A small mirror on the back wall reflects additional figures entering the room, adding depth and mystery to the scene.

Throughout June, Walled City Alive is bringing history to life with an exciting line-up of music, dance, storytelling, a...
06/06/2026

Throughout June, Walled City Alive is bringing history to life with an exciting line-up of music, dance, storytelling, and interactive creative workshops. Designed for both locals and tourists, this cultural program offers a unique way to connect with the heritage of Derry’s Walled City.

As a highlight of this month's events, the Tower Museum is delighted to offer daily guided tours of the Derry Girls Experience. This exclusive exhibition showcases original memorabilia, costumes, and sets from Lisa McGee’s hit show, offering a nostalgic look at 90s Derry.

Tours take place every day at 12:00 PM.

Art on Your Doorstep: Van Gogh’s SunflowersAs we being our showcase, we begin with one of the most famous artworks, Van ...
06/06/2026

Art on Your Doorstep: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

As we being our showcase, we begin with one of the most famous artworks, Van Gogh's Sunflowers

Artist: Vincent van Gogh

Year: 1888

Location: St. Columb’s Park House

Look closer… what do you see?

This famous painting by Vincent van Gogh might look simple at first - just a vase of sunflowers.

But take another look…

Some flowers are bright and full of life, while others are starting to fade. Van Gogh uses bold yellows and thick brushstrokes to bring them to life - almost glowing on the canvas.

It’s all about change, growth, beauty, and time passing, all in one picture.

How do the colours make you feel?

See it at St Columb’s Park House as part of Art on Your Doorstep
Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers, 1888
© The National Gallery , London



Alt text: A painting of a vase filled with bright yellow sunflowers on a table. Some flowers are fully open while others are drooping or fading. The background is a warm yellow, and the thick brushstrokes give the flowers a textured, lively appearance.

Over the coming weeks, we are bringing the National Gallery directly to you!We’ll be spotlighting each of the eighteen ...
06/06/2026

Over the coming weeks, we are bringing the National Gallery directly to you!

We’ll be spotlighting each of the eighteen individual artworks featured in our Art On Your Doorstep exhibition trail. Every week, we will share the unique story behind a specific masterpiece, give you a closer look at its stunning details, and let you know exactly which of our six local sites you can visit to see it in person.

Whether you are planning a weekend walk or looking to discover something new on your daily commute, keep an eye on our page to find your favorite pieces and plan your art trail adventure!

Quick Reminder: The 6 Exhibition Sites
Tower Museum

Acorn Farm

St Columb’s Park House

Strabane Library

Newtownstewart (by the Castle)

The Diamond, Castlederg

You can download a trail from https://towermuseumcollections.com/art-on-your-doorstep/ or collect one from Guildhall reception or direct from the Tower Museum

Join the Friends of the Derry Walls and Margaret Edwards (Museum Service Manager for DCSDC) for an exclusive, firsthand ...
28/05/2026

Join the Friends of the Derry Walls and Margaret Edwards (Museum Service Manager for DCSDC) for an exclusive, firsthand update on the progress of our city's highly anticipated DNA Museum.

This exciting new heritage hub is set to celebrate Derry and the wider district’s deep, historic connection to the North Atlantic. Come discover how our unique global history, maritime adventures, and the remarkable people tied to this region have actively shaped our heritage and created our distinctive local personality. It is a fantastic opportunity to glimpse the future of our local history preservation!

Event Details
📍 Venue: Tower Museum

📅 Date: Monday, June 15th

⏰ Time: 7:00 PM

🎟️ This is a FREE event, but booking is essential to secure your seat!

Email: [email protected]

Call: 028 71 372411

Painting the figure: Through the eyes of Degas, with Artist Sinéad Smyth6th June 2-4pm, Strabane Library & Alley Theatre...
20/05/2026

Painting the figure: Through the eyes of Degas, with Artist Sinéad Smyth

6th June 2-4pm, Strabane Library & Alley Theatre

Join us for workshop focused on painting and drawing the human figure through the lens of Edgar Degas (1834–1917).

Participants are invited to explore movement, gesture and observation, inspired by his iconic ballet dancers. Working from live models (clothed) and photographic references, participants can study how Degas captured fleeting moments rather than staged performances. Through guided exercises, participants experiment with layering, mark-making, and tonal contrast to convey the figure, developing an understanding of how Degas balanced realism with spontaneity.

The workshop encourages artists to see the figure not as a static subject, but as an ever-shifting presence shaped by light, motion, and perspective.

Participants and invited to bring a sketchbook, and some photographic references for their own use. Other materials: painting boards, acrylic paint, brushes and charcoal, will be provided.

See the printed artwork as part of the ‘Art on Your Doorstep’ trail at Strabane Library – Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834 – 1917), Ballet Dancers, About 1890-1900

This event is bookable via the Alley Theatre

https://alley-theatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173673434/events

Get ready to unleash your inner artist because tomorrow, Saturday 16th May, is National Drawing Day! We’re celebrating w...
15/05/2026

Get ready to unleash your inner artist because tomorrow, Saturday 16th May, is National Drawing Day!

We’re celebrating with The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep, a free outdoor trail featuring life-size masterpieces by icons like Van Gogh and Renoir. Designed to spark creativity and curiosity, this trail invites you to pick up a pencil and see art in a whole new way.

Simply grab a FREE activity sheet and map from the Tower Museum or Guildhall or download one at https://towermuseumcollections.com/art-on-your-doorstep/ and start your adventure!

Trail sites include:
• Tower Museum
• Acorn Farm
• St Columb's Park House
• Strabane Library
• Newtownstewart Castle
• The Diamond Castlederg

Celebrate National Drawing Day on Saturday 16 May by getting inspired through art, creativity and discovery with The Nat...
11/05/2026

Celebrate National Drawing Day on Saturday 16 May by getting inspired through art, creativity and discovery with The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep 🎨✏️

National Drawing Day is all about encouraging everyone to pick up a pencil, get creative and enjoy looking at art in new ways and the Art On Your Doorstep trail is the perfect place for families to explore together.

Follow the free outdoor exhibition trail, discover life-size reproductions of masterpieces from the National Gallery collection, and scan the QR codes at each artwork to uncover more about the artists, stories and details within each painting. Maybe you’ll even spot something no one else has noticed before!

Featuring artworks by artists including Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh, the trail has been designed to spark creativity, imagination and moments of joy in everyday life.

Pick up a trail map from the Guildhall or Tower Museum, or download one online at https://towermuseumcollections.com/art-on-your-doorstep/

📍 Trail sites include:
• Tower Museum
• Acorn Farm
• St Columb's Park House
• Strabane Library
• Newtownstewart Castle
• The Diamond Castlederg

Outdoors and free to enjoy until 30 September 2026.

Address

Union Hall Place
Derry
BT486LU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

028 71 372411

Website

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