The Tank Museum in Bovington, that’s been shut all year due to Covid rules, is to give a sneak-peek of what’s been going on behind closed doors in a live streamed event.
While no visitors have been allowed in, staff have been busy creating a brand new exhibition called ‘World War Two: War Stories’, ready for the lifting of restrictions and the reopening of the museum on Monday 17th May 2021.
Over 30 first hand veteran testimonies were gathered over the last decade to form the basis of the exhibition’s narrative. Sadly, a number of those who contributed – such as author David Render – have subsequently passed away.
The exhibition brings these accounts together with a range of new graphic panels, films and displays containing artefacts, personal items and mementoes which have never been on public display before.
Some lucky visitors got to view part of the new exhibition when the museum was open in between lockdowns in 2020
“Staff have worked throughout the pandemic”
Museum spokesperson Nik Wyness said:
“Visitors on the 17th will be among the first to explore The Tank Museum’s newly completed World War Two: War Stories exhibition.
“Staff have worked throughout the pandemic to create the new exhibition, which focuses on the experiences of British Royal Armoured Corps servicemen from 1939 to 1945.”
The exhibition covers some of the less well-known campaigns of World War Two, such as Arras, Greece, Dieppe, North Africa, the Great Swan, Burma, Walcheren, the Gothic Line, the Rhine crossings and the later fighting inside Germany.
Live streamed on The Tank Museum’s YouTube channel
For those that can’t wait until the Tank Museum is allowed to open its doors, they’ll be a sneak-peek of the new exhibition, live streamed on The Tank Museum’s YouTube channel at 11 am on Thursday 13th May 2021.
In the virtual opening event, curator David Willey and Richard Cutland from event sponsor, World of Tanks will be discussing the revamped World War Two hall.
They’ll be a tour of the new exhibition and viewers will be able to get a good look at the impressive assembly of 57 vehicles. Then David and Richard will be joined (virtually) by some of the veterans who have contributed their stories to the new display.
The Prime Minister is expected to confirm the reopening of museums
The UK Prime Minister on Monday 9th May 2021, is expected to confirm the reopening of museums across the country, along with the easing of other restrictions from Monday 17th May 2021.
The Tank Museum says that to maintain the safety of its visitors and staff, it will continue to confirm with the latest government and industry Covid-19 guidelines.
Nik added:
“This means that we currently expect to be operating with the same protocols in place as before we closed. These will include observing the rule of six, wearing face coverings and asking our visitors to support social distancing.”
The museum will be open from 9 am, and booking online in advance will be essential as the number of daily admissions will be capped.
Further information
- To view the World War Two: War Stories opening event at 11 am on Thursday 13th May 2021 go to the museum’s YouTube channel
- To book tickets to visit the museum and get more information go to its website
