Manchester Museum to reopen soon following huge £15m transformation

The historic Manchester Museum is soon set to open its doors following a massive £15m transformation.

The refurb project, named Hello Future and funded by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester, and other private supporters, has seen the building gain a brand new two-storey extension, which will reportedly increase the footprint of the museum by 25%.

The existing gallery and exhibition spaces have undergone extensive refurbishment, which saw more than 18,000 items either moved or protected from the building work.

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.

New galleries include the dazzling Exhibition Hall, which will host the internationally renowned Golden Mummies of Egypt.

The museum’s leisure facilities have also had an extensive makeover, including a ‘stylish’ new shop and cafe, toilets, prayer space, a quiet room, therapy space, and a picnic area.

Accessibility and circulation have been big parts of the refurb, with the museum gaining a new ramped entrance from Oxford Road, which will lead to a new Welcome Area.

It was initially hoped that the museum would be ready to reopen by the end of 2022 but, thanks to challenges brought on by the Covid pandemic, there has been a short delay.

However, bosses have confirmed that the museum will instead be reopening to the public in February 2023.

Esme Ward, Museum Director of Manchester Museum, says: “February 2023 will mark a huge moment in Manchester Museum’s rich history as we open our doors following a major transformation.

“We have extended the building, making room for more joy and learning and evolving into the museum Manchester needs.

“Beautiful new galleries and exhibitions will showcase the best of the museum’s historic collections, as well as addressing the urgencies of the present day and highlighting the complexities of our world.

“We have also listened to advocates with lived experience, and inclusive new spaces and features are incorporated throughout. We can’t wait to welcome our visitors back.”

Visit the Manchester Museum website to stay posted with news and updates.