Tickets go on sale today for the the new Richard III visitor centre in Leicester.
The King Richard lll Visitor Centre: Dynasty, Death and Discovery will open on July 26 and Britain’s newest visitor attraction is expected to draw people from across the world.
The centre (artist’s impression above) will use 21st century technology to tell the story of the famous king, including the events that led to his hasty burial and eventual re-discovery in a Leicester car park in August 2012.
The story will be told in three parts:
Dynasty – the story of the king’s life and times in medieval England and his rise to power,
Death – the key players in the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down while defending his crown and
Discovery – one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told, including the cutting edge science and analysis used in the rediscovery and identification of Richard III.
Amongst the exhibits will be a detailed facial reconstruction of the king, as well as a replica of his skeleton that clearly shows his battle injuries, including the fatal blow.
Completing the experience will be the spot where Richard III’s remains were finally discovered more than half a millennium after they were buried. This roughly dug pit is now at the centre of a glass-floored contemplative space for visitors.
The announcement of the opening date of the visitor centre follows the recent ruling that King Richard III will be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral, which is just 100 steps away from the centre.
Timed tickets will go on sale on from www.kriii.com. Prices will start at £4.75 for a child’s ticket (three to 15 years), £7.95 for adults and £21.50 for a family (two adults and two children).
