15.4.1989 - A TRIBUTE
Museum of Liverpool marks 25th Anniversary of Hillsborough
15 April 2014 will mark 25 years since 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at Hillsborough during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
The Museum of Liverpool - dedicated to telling the story of Liverpool and its people - will be commemorating this date for all to see, recognising its significance and the city’s united grief for those who were lost but will never be forgotten.
A 6ft high tribute reading 15.4.1989 will appear on the waterfront venue as of Friday 11 April, remaining on the building until 21 April, allowing for a 10-day period of reflection around the 25th anniversary.
Janet Dugdale, Director of the Museum of Liverpool said: “The Museum of Liverpool has been created by the people of this city, and houses the stories and memories which have had an effect on Liverpool.
“The date 15.4.1989 is an important part of our history. It’s a date which has been marked for the past 25 years, and will continue to be marked by people not just in Liverpool, and not just by Liverpool fans, but by many people and football fans across the world.
“We felt very strongly that we should recognise this anniversary with a mark of respect. It will be seen by all our visitors and those who pass by the Museum, inviting them to reflect and remember the 96 Liverpool fans, their families, friends, and all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Along with the rest of the city, all eight National Museums Liverpool venues including the Museum of Liverpool, will be taking part in a minute’s silence on Tuesday 15 April at 3:06pm, the time that the match was officially abandoned in 1989.
Notes to editors:
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is one of the country’s most visited museums outside of London. It is the largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century, demonstrating Liverpool’s unique contribution to the world. The first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, it showcases popular culture while tackling social, historical and contemporary issues. It has attracted more than two million visitors since opening in July 2011. The prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize for 2013 was awarded to the Museum for its commitment to human rights as well as its work with children and families from all backgrounds.
The Museum has received generous support from several major funders, and grants from trusts and foundations, corporate support and individual donations. Major funders include the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS),Garfield Weston Foundation and the Clore Duffield Foundation.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) was responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest and had five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life.
The European Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real difference to people and businesses in the North West. With €755 million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise and employment. ERDF in the North West is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government – for further information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf.
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 30,000 projects allocating £4.5billion across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk
About National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpoolcomprises eight venues, including some of the most visited museums in England outside of London. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic. We attract more than 2.7 million visitors every year. Our venues are the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Border Force National Museum, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.