Egyptian balcony kids tour

Kids get their first chance ever to explore the colourful artworks and experience the highest views in Harris Museum on a special children’s tour of the institution’s amazing Egyptian Balcony.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2013, 13:41 BST
Tracey Blease of Fulwood, Preston, with the painting of the Temple of Philae, on the Egyptian balcony, at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, during a guided tour of the balcony.Tracey Blease of Fulwood, Preston, with the painting of the Temple of Philae, on the Egyptian balcony, at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, during a guided tour of the balcony.
Tracey Blease of Fulwood, Preston, with the painting of the Temple of Philae, on the Egyptian balcony, at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, during a guided tour of the balcony.

The famous balcony, which is at the highest level of the Harris and is decorated with amazing murals by artist John Summerscales, is off limits for health and safety reasons to visitors except on special guided tours.

But, until now, these tours have always been angled towards adults with the guide explaining a lot of complex Egyptian history.

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This is the first tour which is specially designed for children aged seven and up, with the guide telling stories of adventures in the ancient land of the Pharoahs and even using props to bring the tales to life.

The first children’s tour goes ahead tomorrow from 11am to 11.30am. But, if you can’t make that, don’t worry - it is set to be repeated in June.

So climb up to the highest levels of the Harris and get a close look at the Balcony’s colourful sights and stories of Egypt.

The Harris’s business development and fundraising manager Hilary Machell said: “The Egyptian Balcony is only open for special tours because it is the highest point of the whole building - and it is up a very narrow staircase.

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“So for health and safety reasons, visitors must have a member of staff with them. Sadly we couldn’t afford to employ someone to do that all the time so it has to be just specially organised tours.

“But previously these tours have been designed for adults, with lots of quite complex facts and figures.

“Although children aged over eight could go on the tour, we felt it wasn’t really suitable for them - so we designed this tour specially.”

There is a small charge of £1 for adults and just 50p for children. Places should be booked on 01772 905414.