Fulham Palace is set to reopen its historic rooms and museum to visitors this month after six months of closure.
The centuries-old building will boast new activity trails and interactive exhibits as part of its new look as it reopens on 24 September.
Special new technology will bring the stories of Fulham Palace to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of the Bishops of London who once called the palace home.
With parts of the current building dating back more than 500 years, the rich history of the site in Bishop’s Avenue is ripe for exploration.
Interactive new exhibits will use iBeacon technology to link to visitors’ own smartphones to share the history of the very room they are standing in.
Styluses will also allow history and architecture fans to explore the interactive tablets around the museum.
The new technology is a chance for visitors to enjoy the fruits of a £3.8 million three-year restoration project, that was completed in May last year.
The Discovering the Bishop of London’s Palace at Fulham project included greater visitor access to some of the oldest parts of the grand Palace.
The project also included the new museum, designed by architect and heritage consultant, Purcell.
Families can explore the museum and delve into the historic rooms alongside the character of Edmund, Fulham Palace’s beloved cat, through newly-created activity trails dedicated to younger visitors.
Sian Harrington, Fulham Palace’s chief executive, said it was “exciting” to be reopening for the local community and visitors from farther afield.
“Although the last six months have been a very difficult experience for us all, and the Palace has suffered like many other museums and gardens, we are delighted to welcome our visitors back to the museum and shop from 24 September,” she said.
“Of course, you will need to pre-book and there will be a one-way system, but this is exciting progress for us.”
Free time slots are now available for pre-booking, with the museum and shop set to open from noon to 4pm on Thursdays to Sundays, while the café will also open its indoor space from 22 September.
Fulham Palace is also planning for the return of its popular annual Apple Day harvest celebrations on 4 October.
Taking place in the site’s atmospheric walled garden from 11am to 3pm, the event includes food stalls, green woodworking, live music, family activities and an arts and crafts market.
To find out more about planning a free excursion visit the Fulham Palace website.
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