Jersey War Tunnels reopens its doors to the public today following an extensive refurbishment programme.
Every winter, Jersey War Tunnels invests in its award-winning exhibition, spending £50,000 this winter remodelling and enhancing its Fortress Island exhibit. The unique exhibit, which showcases the fortifications of Jersey from World War II, will now boast collection cabinets and many rare archived items that have never been seen by the public before.
The exhibition also has a brand new cutting-edge interactive touch wall, created by Freedom Media. Using technology never before used in Jersey, visitors can touch pictures on the 5.5m wall to trigger animated projections and audio effects.
Phil Slatter, project manager at Freedom Media, said: “Following the incredible feedback received from our “Whispers and Lies” exhibit last season, our aim was to create another memorable experience and talking point for visitors. Using unique conductive ink technology, we’ve incorporated some really interesting information, imagery and audio, revealed by touching pictures painted on the wall. Visitors can detonate an image of a grenade by touching it, reveal convoy routes by touching a navy vessel, and much more. It’s a highly engaging exhibit, accessible for all ages and we’re really excited to see the public reaction.”
In addition to the investment in Fortress Island, the team at Jersey War Tunnels has also been refurbishing and improving all of the other exhibits.
Kathy Bechelet, operations manager at Jersey War Tunnels said: “We are delighted with the work that has been undertaken on Fortress Island, one of our most revered exhibits. It is important to us to keep the tunnels fresh and to offer repeat visitors new experiences year on year and that is why we continue to reinvest. We are also incredibly keen to explore new ways of telling the story of islanders who lived through the occupation, bringing those stories to life wherever possible.”
“There are lots of new artefacts and interactive displays this year that help give a real insight into the life of islanders living during World War II. We are expecting another busy year at Jersey War Tunnels. With Brexit and the fall in the pound, we are anticipating more UK visitors looking for great value staycations in Jersey.”
From today (Thursday 1 March 2018) Jersey War Tunnels will be open Monday to Sunday 10am – 6pm with last entry to the main exhibition at 4.30pm. The Escape Room, located in Jersey War Tunnels, will also reopen. Groups of four to eight people can take part and use their intelligence to try escape from the room within the 60-minute time limit.
Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of the German occupation in a way that no other visitor attraction does. It gives an insight in to what life was really like for islanders living in Jersey during WWII.
