Court on Camera
In the cinema, experience what it is like to play a match in one of the most iconic stadia in the world – the Centre Court. During the 2005 Wimbledon Championships a special 200° camera with 5 separate lenses was used to capture the action on the Centre Court in the match between Maria Sharapova (Russia) and Nuria Llagostera (Spain).

Now, the same production techniques used in films such as The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon allow the action to be frozen and viewers to ‘fly’ around the image in 3-D to see the play from many different angles.

Also during the film, gain a startling insight into the science of tennis as you find out what is happening to 20 different items such as the balls, the players’ bodies, the rackets and even the players’ shoes.

While you are waiting for the film, watch past finals Championships’ singles matches from 1970 to 1999 as the outstanding moments in tennis history can be recalled in moments

John McEnroe ‘live’
Tennis legend John McEnroe appears as a 3-D ghost walking through a recreation of the 1980s Gentlemen’s Dressing Room. Using an old technique called ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ alongside the latest projection and filming technologies and with the help of independently moving objects, McEnroe opens lockers and interacts with his surroundings as he reminisces about the good old days.

McEnroe tells us about the time he first went into this historic room, adding how as a young, up and coming tennis star he met Jimmy Connors for the first time in the same room. He also explains how, before stepping out onto the courts at Wimbledon, he would sit in the Gentleman’s Dressing Room and prepare himself emotionally for the coming matches.

Fashion – the predominantly White Zone
Whether fashion amateur or aficionado, the fashions of Wimbledon continue to be a point of interest and significance in the story of tennis and the new Museum will sport an extensive collection of Wimbledon attire. Everything from outfits worn in 1880s through the original Lacoste jacket of the 1920s to Rafael Nadal’s dri-fit Nike ‘pirata’ trousers worn in 2005 are on display. There is also an interactive exhibit where you can feel the weight difference between male and female clothing worn in 1884.

Get a Grip
The ‘Get a Grip’ exhibit allows visitors a chance to learn about the pre-eminent part of the tennis player’s armoury – the racket

The rackets are displayed on two rotating wheels, one with wooden rackets and the other with more modern rackets up to the present day, allowing visitors to select the racket they wish to discover more about. Each racket’s technology and story, such as who used it, can be brought to life by touch screen information and TV footage.

Alongside, there is a selection of rackets which visitors can handle to get a feel for the grips and weight as rackets have changed through time.

The Championships’ Singles Trophies
Finish with a close-up look at those famous, much-coveted trophies.

The Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy (Challenge Cup) dates from 1887, stands 18.5” high and is made of silver gilt. The names and dates of the Champions are engraved around the bowl.

The Ladies’ Singles Trophy dates from 1886, is a sterling silver salver and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Rosewater Dish’ or ‘Venue Rosewater Dish.’ The salver is 18.75” in diameter. The names and dates of the Champions are engraved around the inside of the bowl (up to 1957) and from 1958 on the outside of the bowl.

Award-winning Behind-the-Scenes Tour
The new Museum is an integral part of the daily Wimbledon tour. Lasting up to an hour and led by professional Blue Badge guides, the route includes a fascinating look behind-the-scenes taking in No.1 Court, the picnic terraces of the Aorangi Terrace (aka ‘Henman Hill’) from which visitors can enjoy views of London, the Millennium Building (see the players’ gym and Japanese Zen garden as well as main Press Interview Room where the all-important post-match interviews take place) and on days when building work permits, the Centre Court. Where this is not possible, the BBC’s main television studio will be included instead.

Tours are available to groups in eight languages - English, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, French, German and Italian. When booked in advance, the group tours are offered at any time of day and can be tailored to suit specific requirements and interests. Admission to the Museum is included in the tour price (for both groups and individuals) so visitors can experience the fascinating interactive exhibitions, films and admire The Championships’ Trophies either before or after their tour of the grounds. As in previous years no tours may take place in the period around The Championships itself. In 2006, tours will cease at 5.00 pm on Sunday 18th June and recommence at 1.00 pm on Saturday 15th July. For a timetable of this summer’s tours e-mail museum@aeltc.com.

The Wimbledon Shop
In conjunction with the opening of the new museum, the Wimbledon Shop will be showcasing items from the new collection featuring the 2006 colours - turquoise and orange. Some of these products include the 2006 Ladies’ Championship Towel, Ladies’ Guest towels, Travel bag, Tote bag and Juco bag. The apparel and headwear collection features trendy T-shirts and sweat tops for adults and kids and some eye catching tennis clothing. The Wimbledon Shop also offers a range of official Wimbledon merchandise at www.wimbledon.org/shop. The Wimbledon Shop is open 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

On the Circuit
Find out about how the professional circuit works and follow the action week by week as the season unfolds. Watch the tv highlights, interviews, and statistics from the ATP (men) and WTA (women) Tours.