General entry to Dover Museum will be free for all from 1 August 2016 in a welcome boost for tourism. One of the oldest museums in Kent, Dover Museum started out as a philosophical society in 1836. The museum holds historic district collections and includes the Bronze Age Boat Gallery. Discovered in Dover in 1992, the Bronze Age Boat is the oldest seagoing vessel in the world and was restored by experts from the Mary Rose Trust.
Dover’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is also located in Dover Museum providing a "one-stop-shop" for visitors looking for advice and information on what to see and do in the town and wider district. Local people also use the VIC to book coach and theatre tickets.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "Dover Museum plays an important role in connecting local people with local history, as well as providing a great starting point for the many tourists who visit the district. With free general admission to Dover Museum we hope to see even more people visiting the Museum and exploring the heritage of the district. We're grateful to Dover Town Council for their continued support of the Museum and the Visitor Information Centre."
The Right Worshipful The Town Mayor, Cllr Neil Rix, said: "We are delighted to support this initiative to bring even more people to explore the rich variety of artefacts in Dover Museum. Museums are a focal point for exploring local history and there is nowhere better than Dover Museum to get to learn more about the town’s illustrious past."
Dover Museum is open year round, Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays (April-October) 10am to 3pm.