Manchester Museum has attracted more than 52,000 visitors in the first week following its re-opening.
The museum was closed during a huge £15 million transformation before reopening on 18 February.
The refurbished museum now features co-curated galleries including the South Asia Gallery, the UK’s first permanent space dedicated to the lived experience of the South Asian community; a new Chinese Culture Gallery; a Belonging Gallery reflecting on what it means to belong; and Golden Mummies of Egypt, an exciting exhibition offering visitors unparalleled access to the Museum’s world-leading Egyptology collection. Structurally, the museum has grown with a new two-storey extension to increase capacity and facilities.
The refurbishment was supported by public funding from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the University of Manchester.
Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester, first opened in 1890 and is recognised as one of the largest university museums in the UK. The original neo-Gothic building, designed by renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse (1830–1905), is home to around 4.5 million objects from natural sciences and human cultures.
As well as the huge success of the re-opening, Manchester Museum has also announced its Spring programme which includes a celebration of British Science Week on 15 March; activities for families including a focus on Earth Day on 22 – 23 April; a thought-provoking lecture addressing the dilemmas facing museums in the 21st century delivered by Professor of Public History, David Olusoga OBE; as well as Museum Celebrates, focused on showcasing the incredible diversity of Manchester with festivals, carnivals and religious celebrations. It has also launched the “Museum lates”, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the galleries after hours and attend film screenings and other activities.
