SCARBOROUGH’S Rotunda Museum is preparing for a special anniversary later this month with a host of events planned to commemorate its 180th birthday.
The museum was officially reopened in May last year after undergoing a two-year, £4.4 million refurbishment.
Prince Charles visited the museum in September 2007 as work neared completion.
“The Rotunda – the William Smith Museum of Geology”, as it is now called, first opened its doors in 1829 and it is one of the oldest purpose-built British museums.
Shirley Collier, chief executive of Scarborough Museums Trust said: “Our 175th birthday marked the start of the fundraising for the refurbishment of the museum.
“It’s wonderful that on our 180th anniversary we can see the transformation that’s taken place.
“The redevelopment has see an increase in visitor numbers and we hope people in Scarborough will come along and help us celebrate our 180th birthday by taking part in the wide range of activities we are providing for everyone in the community.”
The museum is marking its anniversary with tours, party games, activities and special exhibitions on Bank Holiday Monday August 31 from 11am to 4pm.
Part of the celebrations will be an exhibition of work by Mel Scott.
The programme also includes face painting, Dinosaur Balloon man, costumed hosts, a birthday trail, party hats workshop, pin the head on the Plesiosaur, guess the size of Gristhorpe man’s feet and new Railway Poster costumes with tours throughout the day.
Experts will also be on hand to identify fossils and there is so much happening events will take place in marquees in the museum garden as well as in the building.
Will Watts, head of public projects said: “Our 180th anniversary celebrations have something for the whole family.
“We want the whole community in Scarborough to come and see what we have on offer.”
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