Manchester Museum bosses have confirmed the date they will re-open to the public as it moves into the final phase of its massive £15 million refurbishment program.
The centre of the refurb project, which is dubbed Hello Future, is the building’s brand new two storey extension, which will increase the footprint of the museum by 25%.
There has also been extensive refurbishment of the existing gallery and exhibition spaces too, with the date now set for the grand reopening in February 2023.
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In all, more than 18,000 items have had to be either moved or protected from the building work.
“Despite the challenges we have faced during the pandemic, our team and partners have never lost faith in our vision for a reimagined Manchester Museum that is more caring, inclusive and imaginative,” Manchester Museum’s Director Esme Ward said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our visitors and communities for their patience while we undergo this huge transformation, and we can’t wait to reopen our doors in 2023.”
The museum, which first opened in 1887 and is part of Manchester University, closed for the work to commence last August.
Once re-opened it will boast a host of new spaces, including the Exhibition Hall, which will feature the museum’s Golden Mummies of Egypt.
There will also be a new space called the Belonging Gallery, the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, and a South Asia Gallery, which is in partnership with the British Museum.
The latter will be the first ever permanent exhibition space in the UK which is dedicated to exploring the stories, experiences, and contributions of South Asian communities.
Additionally, the museum’s leisure facilities will also be getting an extensive makeover.
There will be a ‘stylish’ new shop and cafe, new toilets, a prayer space, a quiet room, therapy space, and picnic area.
Accessibility and circulation are also at the forefront of the refurbishments, including a brand new ramped entrance from Oxford Road, which will lead to a new Welcome Area that will feature ‘extraordinary objects’.
The refurb has taken place with support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester, and other private supporters.
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