Opening date announced for Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester
Tickets have gone on sale for the much anticipated King Richard lll Visitor Centre: Dynasty, Death and Discovery in Leicester which will open its doors to the public on 26th July.
Britain’s newest visitor attraction is expected to draw people from across the world. It will use powerful storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology to recount the details of the life and death of the much debated king, including the events that led to his hasty burial and eventual re-discovery in a Leicester car park in August 2012.
This unique story will be told in three parts; Dynasty - the story of the king’s life and times in medieval England and his rise to power, Death - the key players in the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down while defending his crown and Discovery – perhaps the greatest archaeological detective story ever told including the cutting edge science and analysis used in the rediscovery and identification of Richard III.
Amongst the exhibits will be a remarkably detailed facial reconstruction of the king as well as a replica of his skeleton that clearly shows his battle injuries, including that fatal blow.
Completing the experience will be the poignant spot where Richard III’s remains were finally discovered more than half a millennium after they were buried. This roughly dug pit is now at the centre of a glass-floored contemplative space for visitors.
The announcement of the opening date of the visitor centre follows the recent ruling that King Richard III will be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral, which is located just 100 steps away from the centre. The reinterment will take place in spring 2015.
Iain Gordon, Director of the King Richard III Visitor Centre commented; “Since the historic discovery of King Richard III’s body in 2012, we have seen unprecedented interest in the story and in the history of Leicester. We are very fortunate to have one of the most significant and intriguing historic sites in England located here and we are looking forward to welcoming people from all over the world to learn more about this dramatic story.”
The visitor centre anticipates huge demand for tickets, with over 100,000 people expected through the doors in its first year of operation.
Timed tickets are available now from kingrichardiiivisitorcentre.com. Prices will start at £4.75 for a child’s ticket (three to 15 years), £7.95 for adults and £21.50 for a family (two adults and two children). A special rate of £7.00 per person will be available to groups of 15 or more. A concessionary rate of £7.00 will also be available.
Keep in touch with the latest news and developments on the centre on twitter @KRIIICentre and facebook at facebook.com/KRiiiCentre.