The next exciting stage of Lincoln Museum’s redevelopment will begin on 14 October 2024.
Last year, the county council announced a two-year refresh of the visitor spaces at Lincoln Museum, with a name change and brand refresh, marking the beginning of the project.
Since then, the visitor toilets have been refurbished, as well as the installation of new furniture in the café and a state-of-the-art IT system in the auditorium.
Now, plans are being finalised for a complete refresh of the main archaeology gallery, updating all the displays, and creating a new, immersive experience that showcases Lincolnshire’s history, right back to its very earliest inhabitants.
Starting from 14 October, the exhibition spaces will be closed to allow staff to begin removing all the objects and artefacts for safe storage. This will pave the way for work to start on transforming the space.
A refit of the museum shop, refurbishment of the play space, and landscaping of the outdoor courtyard will also form part of the project, which is expected to finish in late 2025.
The museum’s Muse Café and the Usher Gallery will both remain open as normal.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, welcomed the next stage of the museum’s redevelopment, saying:
“This is the biggest update to Lincoln Museum since we opened in 2005 and will let us continue to give you the warm welcome our visitors expect and put on the exciting exhibitions and events we are known for.
“At over 690m2, the archaeology gallery is by far the biggest space in Lincoln Museum, and – although still captivating visitors – the displays are now largely 20 years old.
“In order to continue to attract new visitors to the museum, and to the city, we need to rethink how we tell Lincolnshire’s story. We’re working on the exciting new look for the archaeology gallery, with creative, interactive displays that will allow visitors to explore the county’s history like never before.
“This is also an opportunity for us to showcase other items from our collection that haven’t been displayed in a long time, or ever before, whilst still keeping those artefacts and objects that visitors love seeing time and time again.
“Whilst the exhibits will be closed off for the refurbishment, visitors can still relax in the Muse Café at Lincoln Museum and enjoy the exhibitions and events across the road at the Usher Gallery.
“We’ll be sharing updates about how the redevelopment is going over the coming months, as the new interactive and engaging displays take place. And we are already looking forward to welcoming everyone in to see our redeveloped museum next year.”
Games: Enter the Unknown, the unique exhibition exploring the history of tabletop gaming, is on at Lincoln Museum until 13 October 2024.
Keep up to date with Lincoln Museum’s refresh and see what’s on at the neighbouring Usher Gallery at www.lincolnmuseum.com. Or find Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.