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Royal Engineers Museum Presented with Prestigious ‘Hidden Gem’ Award

The Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham has been named as one of the South East’s Hidden Gems by VisitEngland.

 The Award recognises the outstanding experiences the Museum provides, highlighting all aspects of the visitor experience from story-telling to food and drink to customer service. The Museum’s fascinatingly diverse Collection, which includes the map that the Duke of Wellington used to plan the Battle of Waterloo, a huge section of the Berlin Wall, and models used in the planning of D-Day, has been Designated as being an outstanding collection of international importance and is acknowledged as one of the country’s leading military museums.

Museum Director, Rebecca Nash commented “We are delighted to receive this award; we have had a very busy and successful year and it is wonderful for the hard work of the team to be officially recognised. The Collection itself holds some truly amazing artefacts and it is a privilege to be able to share them with the public.”

Since it’s re-opening in 2017 the Museum has also carried out a major refurbishment to its café, refitted the small gift shop and introduced new ranges featuring local suppliers to both outlets.  Other initiatives to enhance the visitor experience have included the introduction of a children’s activity trail, improved interactives and a busy programme of temporary exhibitions, including the striking The Sapper as Artist, which showcases a wide range of artwork created by Royal Engineer soldiers over the past 300 years.

 VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England is home to world-class attractions right across the country, welcoming visitors throughout the year and offering experiences of the highest quality including excellent food and drink and outstanding customer service.   It is also really fantastic to see these accolades recognising the work of those employees, managers and owners who make sure that all who pass through their doors have a truly memorable experience.”

The award comes at the beginning of another busy year for the Museum, with highlights including From UXBs to IEDs, a weekend event focussing on the bomb disposal and mine clearance work of the Royal Engineers including live demonstrations from retired soldiers, and Shocking Electricity, the Museum’s summer exhibition where visitors will be able to do a number of experiments using magnets, water and plasma globes!

Full details of the Museum’s events and exhibitions programme can be found at www.re-museum.co.uk.

The Museum tells the story of the Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live, move and fight for over 300 years.  It is Kent’s largest military museum with highlights including 25 Victoria Crosses, Wellington’s map of Waterloo, Zulu War weapons, amazing bridge-laying tanks, a huge section of the Berlin Wall, a Harrier Jump Jet and an enormous V2 Rocket. With interactive exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, café and gift shop, there’s plenty for all the family!

The Museum is open from 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm) Tuesdays to Sundays until 21 December – full details can be found at www.re-museum.co.uk.