Commons Speaker opens new Elizabeth Tower exhibition spaces
17 September 2023
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, today formally unveiled new exhibition spaces inside the Elizabeth Tower [4th September 2023], marking the final stage in the tower’s reopening to the public.
The displays are housed inside rooms that have never formed part of the public tour route. Using the very latest in AV technology, the exhibits bring to life the stories that chart the historical, cultural, and social significance of the building.
Unveiling a plaque to commemorate the formal reopening, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “The Elizabeth Tower stands out as a global landmark and a powerful symbol of our democracy. Five years after work began to conserve the Tower, we are thrilled to see the new exhibition spaces properly unveiled, and to welcome visitors back inside. This iconic clock tower is open for business – I cannot wait to share this unique experience with you.”
This popular guided tour involves climbing the building’s 334 steps and standing next to Big Ben as it strikes the hour. Visitors are also able to explore other areas of the tower, such as the clock mechanism room and the clock dials.
Guided tours of the Palace of Westminster and Speaker’s House are also available throughout the year.
Images from today’s unveiling are available to download here: https://parliament.assetbank-server.com/assetbank-parliament/images/assetbox/57bb724a-8a1b-4962-ad26-5a6eb0ae53fc/assetbox.html
Images of the new exhibition spaces are available to download here: https://parliament.assetbank-server.com/assetbank-parliament/images/assetbox/635a3075-f893-4685-a8d0-f89d00d9e3b1/assetbox.html