Plymouth's Mayflower Museum re-opens

Plymouth’s Mayflower Museum will reopens today (1 August) following a £35,000 refurbishment.

Three floors have been improved, thanks to a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to create a more exciting and engaging experience for school children, families, local residents and tourists.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “We’ve revamped the museum so that it better celebrates the story of Plymouth’s role in the Pilgrims’ epic journey to the New World – a story that will become increasingly significant as we get closer to the Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020.”

Two floors now explore the story of the Mayflower and the Pilgrim Fathers with information and hands-on displays, meaning visitors can now learn even more about this important moment in Plymouth’s shared history with America. The third houses a new dedicated space for schools, family activities and meetings.

Highlights include dress-up and role play themed interactives, a model of the Mayflower built by Devonport Dockyard apprentices in 1969-70 and a list of all the Pilgrims and their hometowns.

Maritime-themed family activities will be taking place at the museum throughout the rest of August to celebrate its re-opening.

‘Pirates, Mermaids and Wishing Fish’ storytelling sessions, filled with tales of adventures on the high seas, will run from 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.45pm to 3.30pm on Saturday 8 and Saturday 15 August.

‘Pirates and Pilgrims’ drop-in arts and crafts sessions, including hat making, drawing and colouring, will be on offer from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 August.

Standard admission fees apply but there is no need to book in advance for any of the sessions, which will run on a first come, first served basis.

For more information about the Mayflower Museum visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouthmayflower or call 01752 306330.