City reflects on powerful legacy of the Tower Museum
31 March 2026
There was a strong sense of pride, poignancy and anticipation in the Guildhall yesterday afternoon as people gathered to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Tower Museum’s much-loved Story of Derry exhibition.
A special panel event, Celebrating the Story of Derry: Looking Back, Moving Forward, brought together leading figures from across the heritage, tourism and museum sectors to consider the exhibition’s lasting impact following its recent closure, and to look ahead to an exciting new chapter for the city’s cultural landscape.
The discussion was hosted by veteran broadcaster Joe Mahon, and provided an opportunity to explore how the exhibition has shaped public understanding of the city’s complex history.
Dr Brian Lacey, who originally created the Tower Museum, was joined by Helen Quigley of the Inner City Trust, Odhrán Dunne from Visit Derry, and Margaret Edwards, Museum Service Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council. The panel discussed the changing cultural landscape since the museum opened its doors in 1992, establishing the first dedicated space to house the city’s extensive archive and historic collections. The building soon became a flagship visitor attraction garnering awards for its innovative approaches to story telling, becoming the only museum to win both the Irish and British Museum of the Year, as well as coming runner up in the European Museum of the Year competition.
Dr Lacey reflected on the challenges of fully capturing the city’s eventful past, appealing to a variety of audiences, and changing perceptions about Derry at a time when the Troubles completely dominated the headlines.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said the occasion was both poignant and inspiring. “The Story of Derry has been much more than an exhibition, it has been a space for learning, reflection and connection,” he said. “It provided an accessible and thought-provoking way to engage with the layered history of our city. Yesterday’s discussion was a fitting tribute to the vision and dedication that brought it to life.
“While we mark the end of a significant chapter, we do so with real optimism. The conversations we heard in the Guildhall demonstrate that our commitment to Derry’s story in inclusive and innovative ways remains as strong as ever. The legacy of the Tower Museum will continue to guide and inspire what comes next.”
Audience members also shared their own recollections of the museum, and took time to reflect on its impact and the new DNA Museum’s role in the city’s growing network of heritage venues.
Margaret Edwards, Museum Service Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the event offered an important opportunity to generate engagement as the service prepares for transition.
“The Story of Derry exhibition has defined the Tower Museum for many years and has welcomed visitors from across the world,” she said. “It has enabled generations to explore our past in meaningful and balanced ways. Yesterday’s gathering reflected the exceptional dedication of the teams who have worked to develop and deliver the exhibition over the years.
“As we look ahead to the development of the DNA Museum, we are building on a strong foundation. The lessons learned, the partnerships formed and the stories shared through the Tower Museum will shape the next phase of our journey. Our ambition is to create a world-class cultural destination that honours our heritage while embracing new and innovative ways of storytelling.”
During the event a number of the historic characters who will feature in the new DNA Museum were brought to life by the Makey Uppers performers. The panel also gave some insight into how collections and narratives will evolve and the opportunities presented by the future DNA Museum to reimagine how Derry’s story is experienced by new audiences when it opens its doors in summer 2027.