About the redevelopment project

The redevelopment will see storage areas turned into public space, dated displays completely transformed and access improved throughout, so everyone will be able to share in the new museum.

Why are we doing this?

The benefits of the project will be to:

• Display thousands of new treasures – 80% of the objects on display will be shown for the first time.
• Create sixteen new galleries totalling 7,000m².
• Increase public spaces by 50%.
• Add 800m² of special exhibition space.
• Provide a new learning centre, trebling the space for education in the museum.
• Make it easier to access the museum, through a new welcoming arrivals hall at street level, and to reach all floors and galleries with new glass lifts and escalators.
• Improve the facilities for visitors, including a new café and better shop.

Where have all the exhibits gone?

Now that the work is under way, over two million items have been carefully catalogued, packed and moved into our purpose-built storage facility - the National Museums Collection Centre.

Where can I find out more?

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with activity in the run up to our opening day!