On Saturday 25 June 2011 Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust opens the doors to its new £1.4 million Roman Frontier: Stories beyond Hadrian’s Wall Gallery
This new cutting edge 500 square metre gallery is a major development at the western end of Hadrian’s Wall which will increase tourism and boost Carlisle’s economy by encouraging national and international visitors to this attractive and historic city. The Roman Frontier Gallery tells the story of the 400 year period of Roman occupation at the Empire’s northern most frontier and explains what the Roman Empire was, why Hadrian’s Wall was built, what it meant to be a citizen of the Empire and how the Roman frontier relates to modern ones.
For a limited period, an outstanding rare first century Roman Cavalry Sports Helmet will go on display to coincide with the launch of the new Roman Frontier Gallery.
The Nijmegen Helmet, on loan to Cumbria’s premier museum by Museum Het Valkof in The Netherlands, will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to see a helmet of the same calibre and style as the Crosby Garrett Roman helmet, which the museum were unable to secure at auction last year despite vast public support.
Many other artefacts in the gallery will be on display for the first time, with a large number from the museum’s own collections, and others on loan from various venues including the British Museum, who have lent national treasures such as the Embleton Sword and the Sewell’s Lane Jug.
This Nijmegen helmet is on loan to Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust from 24th June until 24th October and is the first in a series of high profile loans of significant objects to Tullie House from other museums.
A Celebratory Day of Roman Activities - Saturday 25 June 10am - 5pm
To celebrate the grand opening of Tullie House’s fantastic new Roman Frontier Gallery, you are invited to join us in a celebratory day of Roman activities taking place throughout Tullie House and Carlisle City Centre featuring Roman soldiers, gladiators, dancers and craftspeople, plus special guest – “The Beast ”!
– Be one of the first to see the new Roman Frontier Gallery. Extended opening hours until 6pm.
- At 11am, see The Emperor, Domitian and his Roman Army, led by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, march from Tullie House to the City Centre, where he will address the people of Carlisle.
– See the Gladiators at 2pm, as they are marched by the Roman Army from Tullie House to our City Centre amphitheatre by order of the Emperor. There will be music and dance before the Gladiatorial games begin!
– For one day only, visit a unique Roman Encampment in the Tullie House Gardens. Meet the soldiers and discover what their daily routine was like 2000 years ago.
– Learn about Roman medicine, herbalists, jewellery making and trading. Try your hand at Roman weaving and pottery making.
– Visit our Roman storyteller, who will entertain you with tales of life in Roman Britain.
– Take part in our Children’s Roman Army and march through the City.
– Compare Roman Soldiers to the present day army in association with Armed Forces Day.
For more information click here
Looking for a place to stay in Carlisle? Then check out the Town House B&B in Carlisle city centre.
