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The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is responsible for the National Museums Northern Ireland which holds collections of national significance at its four main sites: the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum the Ulster-American Folk Park. and Armagh County Museum. The National Museums Northern Ireland also has responsibility for the W5 Science Centre at Odyssey, Northern Ireland’s landmark Millennium project.

Through its collections, National Museums Northern Ireland promotes the awareness, appreciation and understanding by the public of art, history and science; the culture and way of life of people; and the migration and settlement of people.

The Department is also responsible for the Museums Council in Northern Ireland which acts as the main channel of government support to local (non-centrally funded) museums. There are 39 registered museums in Northern Ireland holding collections of local significance.

The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure also supports the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland an astronomical research institution founded in 1790 by the Archbishop of Armagh.

The Northern Ireland Armagh Planetarium was opened in 1968 with the intention of widening public understanding of astronomy and earth sciences through shows and displays. Last summer (2006) the Planetarium underwent a £3 million redevelopment programme and reopened its doors to a record number of visitors.

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Northern Ireland Tourism

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