(Caption: Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of the Council, visiting the new Dunkirk exhbition at Dover Museum which re-opened today)
A new free exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation takes centre stage as Dover Museum re-opens today (16 September 2020).
The exhibition had been prepared in readiness for the national commemorations in May but now is the first time the public have been able to visit the museum since lockdown.
The evacuation of most of the British Expeditionary Force along with French and Belgian forces from Dunkirk was masterminded by Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay from his headquarters in the tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle. ‘Operation Dynamo’ started on 26 May 1940 and ended on 4 June 1940, with 338,226 men evacuated from the port and beaches around Dunkirk.
Dover Museum is one of the oldest museums in Kent, and also houses the world’s oldest surviving seagoing boat within the Bronze Age Boat Gallery. It tells the fascinating story of Britain’s historic port town. The Museum offers free entry.
New Covid-secure visiting arrangements have been developed and accredited under the Visit Britain ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry-standard.
The number of visitors in the museum’s four galleries is restricted to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit, while maintaining social distancing recommendations.
Visitors can book a slot to visit the museum online and will be required to provide Track and Trace information.
Dover Museum also houses the White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre, providing a welcoming and expert service to help tourists and local people discover the wealth of local attractions.
Cllr MJ Holloway, DDC’s cabinet member for tourism, said: “It’s great to see the Museum and Visitor Information Centre open again and welcoming visitors to the town and surrounding area.
“The new Dunkirk exhibition is a superb addition to the galleries. The curatorial team have done a fantastic job in telling the story of another chapter in Dover’s rich history as a frontline town.
“As our visitor economy starts to rebuild, we’re continuing to invest in the visitor economy, including the launch of the new White Cliffs Country website at www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk.”
Posted on 16 September 2020