York Minster to open major new attraction (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

York Minster to open major new attraction

5:40pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

A MAJOR new visitor attraction is to be opened to the public at one of the region’s great cathedrals later this year.

The attraction, Revealing York Minster, will be opened on May 25 as part of a continuing £20m conservation and restoration project.

It will be a network of new interactive galleries, housed in the Undercroft and Treasury below the historic cathedral, telling the story of York Minster, from the lives of the Roman garrison to the work of the staff, clergy and volunteers in the 21st century.

“Our visitors generally spend their time marvelling at the architecture of the building and the stunning stained glass works,” said the Dean, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull.

“But seeing the building as it is today only tells part of York Minster’s rich history, which stretches back to the time of the Roman city of Eboracum, centuries before the first Minster was built.

“Revealing York Minster is effectively a visitor attraction in its own right which tells the story of this site through history, illustrated by real archaeological finds and artefacts collected and stored in our archives.”

The Minster’s visitor services team is now recruiting volunteers to help visitors explore the new attraction.

“Revealing York Minster is an interactive attraction, with lots of things to see and touch, so we are looking for people who are keen to share this new experience with our visitors from around the world, ” said visitor services manager Michael Constantine.

Anyone interested should contact Susan Mason, volunteering manager, on 0844 9390023 ext 2360 or email: susanm@yorkminster.org for details.