The much-anticipated King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester has just opened its doors. The centre uses ground-breaking technology to bring to life the story of the last Plantagenet king, from his rise to power, brutal death and the eventual rediscovery of his remains in a Leicester car park in August 2012.

Offering a fascinating opportunity for lovers of history – be they professional or amateur – to examine the life of Richard III in a new light, exhibits include a remarkable facial reconstruction using stereolithography and a replica of his skeleton.

The interactive experience will tell the story of the king in three parts: Dynasty – Richard’s life and rise to power in medieval England; Death – the Battle of Bosworth and his ultimate demise; and Discovery – the cutting edge science and analysis that lead to his eventual rediscovery and identification.

Visitors to the centre can see where Richard III, the last English king to die in battle, was buried more than 500 years ago. The grave is now at the centre of a glass-floored contemplative space. His final resting place will be Leicester Cathedral, just 100 steps from the centre, where his reinterment will take place in Spring 2015.

The centre is located in the former Alderman Newton’s School at the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter. It was commissioned by Leicester City Council, and is run by an independent trust.

Tickets and further information from www.kriii.com