To highlight some of the amazing works being carried out at York Minster and to assist in the Minster’s fundraising campaigns, Bedern Chapel, a new workshop space for York Minster Glaziers, has been opened to the public.

Visits will last about 45 minutes and offer a new unique insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to restore York Minster’s medieval glass. Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the finest glass conservators in action.

York Minster’s Great East Window, created between 1405 and 1408, is the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.

Bedern Chapel was originally the medieval chapel of the Vicars Choral. It has been converted to a public access work studio by York Glaziers Trust, allowing the public to witness conservation work up close. The York Glaziers Trust is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the stained glass of York Minster.

York Minster’s Stoneyard will also be open throughout 2009 for public visits by appointment.

The Stoneyard is where the Minster’s stonemasons, carvers and carpenters repair the widespread erosion of the stonework, specifically on the east front. Visitors can explore the progress of the stones through the stoneyard or take a trip up the east front scaffolding to see behind the scenes.

Tours of the Glaziers Workshop at Bedern Chapel take place every Wednesday and Friday, departing from the groups desk in the Minster. The tours last for approximately one hour and cost £5 per person, with a maximum of 15 people per tour.

The opening of the Stoneyard is still to be confirmed but will happen in 2009. There will be four visits each day and each visit can accommodate a maximum of 15 people. All visits must be booked in advance.

Also in the historic city, the Yorkshire Museum is undergoing a £2 million makeover set to transform the interior. The project, titled “Letting in the Light” will incorporate the city’s Roman heritage, with major exhibitions also highlighting its strong medieval and natural history collections.

Key exhibitions will include: Eboracum: Face to Face with the Romans – The power of the Roman Empire will be explored through the museum’s internationally significant collection of Roman artefacts and, thanks to fascinating new research, the true picture of life in Roman York and the people who lived their will be unveiled.

York: The Power and the Glory – From a bustling Anglian city and royal Viking capital, to the second city of the Kingdom, this part of the museum will bring to life the colour, music, romance and spirituality of the medieval period.

Extinct: A way of life – A colourful, forgotten world of extinct species will be brought to life in this fun, family-orientated gallery.

The revamp will also include a new audio-visual experience, exploring the History of York and a new interactive Learning Level that will provide visitors with the chance to delve deeper into the past through hands-on activities, displays, workshops and meeting the experts.

* For York Minster visits and tours and for more information contact Howard Spencer Mosley on 01904 557216. For more information about the plans for Yorkshire Musuem, contact Lee Clark on 01904 687673 or e-mail lee.clark@ymt.org.uk