Here’s the first look at the transformed Manchester Museum, which is currently being transformed ahead of its re-opening next year. A huge £15 million is being spent on the refurbishment of the museum space, and it’s on schedule to throw open its doors in February, 2023.
Footage from the refurb shows its new South Asia Gallery which will be on the first floor, and is a partnership with the British Museum, and the creation of the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture gallery. There will also be a new display area for its amazing dinosaur and prehistoric exhibitions, and a brand new Exhibition Hall, which will boast the Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition on opening day.
The exhibition has toured the US and China, and features eight mummies and over a hundred objects from the museum’s existing Egyptology collection. In addition, there will be new cafe facilities, a new museum shop, a new prayer room and a new picnic area.
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The entrance to the museum is also being completely rebuilt, while the new two storey extension is being clad in green terracotta tiling, paying homage to the Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the city.
The museum’s director Esme Ward said: “We are extending the building, making room for more joy and learning and evolving into the museum Manchester needs. Galleries and exhibitions will showcase the best of the museum’s historic collections, as well as addressing the urgencies of the present day.
“We can’t wait to reopen our doors in just six months’ time. Until then, we will continue to bring updates on our progress.”
More than 18,000 items have had to be carefully moved and relocated for the duration of the refurbishment. The museum houses a staggering 4.5 million objects in all, from natural sciences and human cultures.
The development project, which began in late August last year, has been funded by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester, and numerous philanthropic supporters.
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