The Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has welcomed over 52,000 visitors since opening its doors on 31st May – all intrigued to see the famous hull, united with many of the 19,000 artefacts for the first time since they were recovered from the sea in 1982.
In the last month, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has hosted 80,000 national and international guests finding themselves drawn to find out more about our rich naval heritage on offer – discovering more about HMS Victory, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations, HMS Warrior 1860 and of course the newest (and oldest) addition to the family – The Mary Rose.
The 30th of May 2013 saw an opening fit for Henry VIII himself – and the world was watching;
Our international coverage reached 804 million people globally, and included features from CNN and NBC in America, Central China News, Deutschland Radio, Channel One Russia and Japan’s Chunichi Shimbun.
The launch event saw a wreath depicting a Tudor rose cast into the waves of the Solent at the site of the sinking. Purbrook Archers launched a volley of flaming arrows into the sea off Southsea Castle and the band of HM Royal Marines played as a fanfare rang out.
Unveiled from behind a 240m² Tudor Standard, all eyes were on the Mary Rose as the brass bell that once hung on board the ancient flagship, was carried through the doors by crew members of HMS Duncan, the newest ship in the modern Naval fleet.
Chief Executive of The Mary Rose Trust, Rear Admiral John Lippiett said, “We are absolutely delighted that so many people have visited the new museum since we opened our doors on 31 May. The reaction and feedback has been tremendous, with numbers of visitors exceeding our expectations. To see their reaction to what we have achieved is wonderful and is a great credit to everyone”s hardwork in building this remarkable museum”.
Lincoln Clarke, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard said, “It’s been a fantastic month at the Historic Dockyard and the atmosphere is one of excitement. Visitors who arrive are full of anticipation as to what they’ll discover, those who’ve been tell me they can’t wait to return – The Mary Rose Museum is a huge part of that.”
You can buy your tickets for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard online or at our Visitor Centre where you’ll be invited to book a time-slot for the Mary Rose Museum.
Ticket and visiting information is available at http://www.maryrose.org/your-visit/
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