Museum and historic sites mark Heritage Open Days

Some of the city’s most historic sites will be marking Heritage Open Days this coming weekend.

Heritage Open Days (12 to 15 September) celebrate England’s historic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that normally charge for admission or special events in venues that are already free. The annual event is funded by English Heritage and involves thousands of venues across the UK.

Visitors to Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse (The Hoe), the Elizabethan House (32 New Street, The Barbican) and the Merchant’s House (33 St Andrew Street) will be able to enjoy free admission for one day only on Friday 13 September.

On the same day, the City Museum and Art Gallery is offering a free screening of 'Lawrence of Arabia' (PG) starring Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. Widely considered as one of the most influential films in the history of cinema, it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards when it was originally released in 1962 and won seven. It celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

The screening, which will start at 1.30pm, is being held in connection with the Museum’s current ‘Nancy: The Life and Times of Lady Astor’ exhibition as Astor and Lawrence had a great friendship. A special lunch offer will be available in the Museum cafe for those who wish to get something to eat and drink before the screening starts. Admission is free but people ar advised to book in advance by calling 01752 304774.

On Saturday 14 September the Museum is offering two sessions with professional storyteller David Heathfield, who will be joined by a musician for some Plymouth-inspired stories and songs of the Second World War. Also inspired by Nancy Astor, who was Lady Mayoress during the Blitz, ‘Plymouth Tales from World War Two’ will run from 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm.

Sessions are suitable for children aged four and over, although wrigglers and siblings are welcome. Admission is free and there is no need to book in advance.

For more information about the City Museum and Art Gallery and Plymouth’s other historic sites visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/museums or call 01752 304774.

For more details about Heritage Open Days and what’s on offer visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.