The Charles Dickens Museum in central London has defended its decision to close for a revamp during the 200th anniversary year of the author's birth.
The author's former home will shut on 10 April, also ahead of the Olympic Games when many tourist attractions are expecting boosted visitor numbers.
The museum has been awarded a Heritage Lottery grant of £2m.
Museum manager Shannon Hermes said the money was only available for a limited time and they had to seize the chance.
She added that there were already many Dickens-related events planned for London throughout the year.
An international programme of literature festivals, film screenings, plays and other projects have been organised as part of the year-long celebrations, called Dickens 2012.
The programme, which marks Dickens' birth on 7 February 1812, has been devised by the British Council in conjunction with the Charles Dickens Museum, Film London, Penguin and other organisations.
However, the Charles Dickens Museum, based at 48 Doughty Street, Camden, will close from April until the beginning of December.
The author's former home will shut on 10 April, also ahead of the Olympic Games when many tourist attractions are expecting boosted visitor numbers.
The museum has been awarded a Heritage Lottery grant of £2m.
Museum manager Shannon Hermes said the money was only available for a limited time and they had to seize the chance.
She added that there were already many Dickens-related events planned for London throughout the year.
An international programme of literature festivals, film screenings, plays and other projects have been organised as part of the year-long celebrations, called Dickens 2012.
The programme, which marks Dickens' birth on 7 February 1812, has been devised by the British Council in conjunction with the Charles Dickens Museum, Film London, Penguin and other organisations.
However, the Charles Dickens Museum, based at 48 Doughty Street, Camden, will close from April until the beginning of December.
You just couldn't make it up could you
:laugh:
Posted: 2012-01-11 17:24:09