03 Mar 2026
Portsmouth Museums to take part in National Lottery Open Week
Portsmouth Museums is taking part in National Lottery Open Week to say thank you for the £32 million raised for good causes every week by players.
From Saturday 7 until Sunday 15 March The D-Day Story is offering free entry to the museum, Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery will give a 10% discount in the shop (minimum spend of £10 applies) and Portsmouth Natural History Museum will offer free entry to visitors from outside the PO1-PO6 area. Offers can be redeemed by producing a National Lottery Ticket or scratchcard.
A number of projects across the service have received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This includes the current Hampshire's Hidden D-Day Project, the redevelopment of The D-Day Story and the restoration of LCT 7074. Whispers on the Dancefloor and the upcoming Portsmouth 100 exhibition at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, and Guermonprez's Legacy at Portsmouth Natural History Museum.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said,
"The National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled and made a significant contribution to the development of multiple projects across our museums which form a valued part of the cultural offer in our city.
"I am delighted we are once again supporting National Lottery open week which will enable visitors to experience what our museums have to offer, and the important stories they tell."
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum added: "We’re thrilled to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2026. This year, we’re inviting everyone to see a National Lottery ticket as more than just a chance to win. It’s a passport to discovery, unlocking joy, opportunity and possibility in communities across the UK.
"From the nation’s most-loved museums and heritage sites to grassroots projects and hidden local gems, every ticket helps create something extraordinary. National Lottery Open Week is our way of saying thank you to the players who make this possible. Because of you, an incredible £32 million is raised each week for good causes, which helps fund vital projects in arts, sport, heritage and communities nationwide. Wherever your interests lie, there’s an experience waiting to be unlocked."
To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com
Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.
For more information on the museums, visit portsmouthmuseums.co.uk and theddaystory.com
Contact Information
Corporate Communications
023 9268 8073
corporate.communications@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Notes to editors
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is offering 10% discount in the shop per National Lottery Ticket or scratch card. Minimum spend of £10 applies.
Portsmouth Natural History Museum is offering free entry for one adult or senior and any accompanying children under 16 years old per National Lottery Ticket or scratch card, for those living outside the PO1-PO6 area. Residents living within PO1-PO6 receive free entry as standard)
The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to telling the story of 6 June 1944, the preparations, D-Day, the Battle of Normandy and its legacy.
The museum in Portsmouth is home to LCT 7074 the last surviving, preserved Landing Craft Tank that took part, and the Overlord Embroidery, which depicts D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 34 hand-stitched panels.
More information on the website - www.theddaystory.com
The D-Day Story is offering free entry for one adult or senior per National Lottery Ticket or scratch card.
The offer will run from 7-15 March.
They will have to provide proof of purchase by showing a scratchcard, Lottery ticket or any National Lottery game either a physical ticket or online via the app.
Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game can be either hard copy ticket or digital. Photocopies will not be accepted.
The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.
This offer is not exchangeable.
During National Lottery Open Week, players can present any National Lottery ticket (or screenshot of a digital game) including Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life, Thunderball, National Lottery Scratchcard or Instant Win Game to receive free or discounted entry or another special offer for hundreds of National Lottery funded venues across the UK.
For more information visit www.NationalLotteryOpenWeek.com
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