Danum Gallery, Library and Museum opening date announced

People will soon be able to pre-book a tour of this unique visitor attraction and learning hub to enjoy the fascinating artefacts, incredible exhibitions and captivating stories of Doncaster’s rich and varied history.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “I am thrilled the doors are set to open. This is one of the biggest things to have happened in the Doncaster borough and our town centre for a very long time. We have had interest from all over the world and now we can let the first visitors in to see this stunning building and memorable collections in all its glory. This is history in the making.

“It’s been quite a task delivering this community facility for our residents and high quality visitor attraction during Covid, but we have done it. There is a world class museum, a modern library service, a top class art gallery, a wonderful rail heritage centre, a superb King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum and so much more, all combined under one roof. The focal point is of course the carefully restored frontage of the former Doncaster High School for Girls. Encased behind glass, it is an iconic statement and an exhibit in its own right.

“This is a celebration of immense proportions and something I am incredibly proud of but we do need to open the building safely while we continue to live with the Covid pandemic.

“As a temporary measure we need to limit visitors and library users until the Government restrictions are lifted. People wanting to visit or use the new services have to book in advance either online or by phone. They can also call into the Tourist Information Centre to book their place.”

There will be tour slots available Monday to Saturday throughout the day.

The museum and art gallery tours will be one and a half hours in length to give people plenty of time to have a good look round.

The library visits will each be one hour long for people to browse and choose books or use the various digital services. There will be a short break between scheduled visits for public safety.

The new café will also be offering people a takeaway service.

All visits must be booked in advance as only a limited number of people can safely use the building at any one time while the Covid restrictions continue to be in place.

People will soon be able to book their tickets at www.DGLAM.org.uk  or by calling 01302 734309. If people prefer they can also call in at the Tourist Information Centre to book a timeslot, subject to availability of course.

The bookings system will go live on Friday 21 May.

The latest government advice is that the Covid restrictions could end on Monday 21 June 2021. The pre-booking system will be reviewed in light of relevant Government announcements and it is hoped will no longer be required at this point.

Cllr Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, Culture and Planning, said: “Danum Gallery, Library and Museum is a remarkable community building, packed full of interest and educational resources. It’s an exceptional facility we can all use and benefit from, and something everyone connected to Doncaster will be very proud of.

“Now the building is complete and fully kitted out we wanted to get it open, even if this meant having a limited numbers of visitors while we wait for the Covid restrictions to end. We know some people may be disappointed if there is a big demand for tickets but we have to observe the latest rules and guidance and open it safely. Please bear with us. All being well, we can remove this temporary measure shortly to allow everyone to enjoy this incredible new attraction in our Civic and Cultural Quarter.”

Full details about Danum Gallery, Library and Museum (DGLAM), the ticket booking system and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on how the visits will work, will be available at: www.DGLAM.org.uk 

People must have a confirmed booking to gain admission. Those without will unfortunately be turned away.