Museum of Orange Heritage to reopen to public

The museum, which is based at the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland’s Cregagh Road headquarters, has been closed since mid-March due to Covid-19.

The reopening has been eagerly anticipated and staff have been working hard in preparation for the big day.

Museum Curator Dr Jonathan Mattison said: “To coincide with the reopening, we are announcing the extension of the exciting exhibition tracing the history of the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland. This wonderful exhibition was launched just a matter of days before lockdown and will now run until the December 11.

“The Museum of Orange Heritage is of great importance when it comes to sharing the culture and heritage of the Orange Institution. But, like all other museums and tourist attractions, we had to close the doors in March as we played our part in battling Covid-19,” he said.

“We have lost six months of 2020 – especially the summer months which are perhaps our busiest in terms of footfall – and missed many events, such as our popular Boyne Day in August and of course the Twelfth of July.

“However, this was in line with the rest of the Orange Institution as we put our full energies into fighting the spread of Covid19 and making a contribution to communities all across Ulster.”

Dr Mattison explained that the museum will have limited opening initially, Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, with special measures in place to comply with Covid-19 regulations. Saturday opening will not recommence.

He continued: “We will be taking every step possible to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff .”