A MUSEUM and relocated visitor information centre was officially reopened by The Earl of Wessex.
His Royal Highness cut the ribbon at Windsor Guildhall to mark the opening of The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum and Royal Windsor Visitor Information Centre on March 22.
Prince Edward also unveiled a plaque at the Corn Exchange commemorating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year and the centenary of King George V confirming Windsor as a Royal Borough.
The Earl was given a guided tour around the building, was introduced to staff and got a glimpse of the artefacts on display.
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The Mayor said it was an honour to welcome The Earl of Wessex to unveil the plaque and reopen the building.
He said: “The plaque marks two very special milestones in both the Royal Family’s and Windsor’s rich history, as well as the close association between the two.”
The Mayor added Her Majesty also has a long association with Windsor Guildhall.
He said: “The Queen first came here in an official capacity in 1951 when, as Princess Elizabeth, she re-opened the building after a major renovation.
“More recently she attended as part of her 90th birthday celebrations when she joined 20 other 90-year-old local residents in cutting a birthday cake.
“This long-running connection is something which we, as the Royal Borough, and our residents are enormously proud of and we look forward to celebrating further this year as we continue to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with events and activities.”
Councillor Samantha Rayner, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for business, corporate and residents’ services, culture and heritage, and Windsor, said: “This exciting project, bringing together two complementary facilities in the historical heart of Windsor town centre, has created the perfect partnership in the museum and information centre, for the benefit of all our visitors.
“The Royal Borough has a fabulously rich cultural heritage to uncover, and the museum is great for visitors and residents of all ages who want to discover and learn more about our unique borough.”
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The venue has seen an increase in visitors since reopening and numbers to the Guildhall are now above pre-pandemic levels.
Museum manager Stephanie Lewis said: “It’s amazing to have visitors back in the space, we’re now free admission so we’re getting a lot more visitors through the doors and it’s just so nice to see everybody sharing our local heritage again."
She added its great to have the recognition and to be able to finally open to the public again.
Royal Windsor Information Centre manager Claudia Bombana said: “We haven’t gone very far but we’ve gone from a historical place to another very historical place which is lovely.
“This joint venture is working really well, and it completely makes sense for the visitors coming over."
The museum and visitor centre will be open from 10am to 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
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