The much-anticipated DNA (Derry Londonderry on the North Atlantic) Museum in Ebrington Square is one step closer to becoming a reality as final letters of offer have been received from all funding partners.
The museum, a valuable contribution to the city’s cultural scene, has received a total funding of £12,719,532 from different project collaborators. These partners include Inclusive Future Funding, administered by the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston & Galewest Investments Ltd, the Department for Communities (DfC), The National Lottery Heritage Fund (Heritage Fund), The Executive Office (TEO), and Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI).
The confirmation of the announcement by Aeidin McCarter, Council’s Head of Culture, marks the beginning of the project’s next stage. With funding secured, the process of appointing the Integrated Supply Team (IST) and Fit-Out contractor is currently in progress. This will pave the way for construction work to start in November 2024. The objective is to finish the construction and fit-out, ensuring the museum is ready to welcome the public by summer 2026.
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, expressed his excitement for the endeavor, emphasizing its capacity to enhance the city’s tourism attractions and commemorate its abundant heritage. Likewise, Dr Paul Mullan, the Director of Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, underscored the significance of ensuring that heritage is accessible and appreciated by future generations.
The DNA Museum in the North West region has also received praise from Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, and Jessica Warner, Head of Funding at the Wolfson Foundation. They acknowledged the museum’s importance in celebrating the area’s maritime heritage and captivating visitors with its historical collections.
Although there have been previous delays in the museum’s opening, the Council officers are currently dedicated to pushing the project forward and ensuring active involvement from stakeholders. The development of interpretative content for the galleries has already begun, and there are plans for engagement sessions and events to keep stakeholders and citizens updated on the project’s progress.
The DNA Museum, located in the former hospital structure in Ebrington, is set to exhibit the rich maritime history of Derry and Lough Foyle. It will emphasize the area’s importance as a crucial naval base during and after World War II. Despite past obstacles, the project is now ready to progress and is expected to become a significant tourist attraction for the city and surrounding region.
