Museum makeover
The main archaeology gallery at Lincoln Museum will be refurbished to create a new, immersive experience that showcases Lincolnshire’s history back to its earliest inhabitants.
It is the latest phase of a makeover of the whole museum and the exhibition spaces will be closed from October 14 to allow staff to begin removing all the objects and artefacts for storage so work can start.
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 - new furniture has already been installed in the former as part of the two-year refresh of visitor spaces, which started with the name change, a brand update, visitor toilet refurbishment and the installation of a state-of-the-art IT system in the auditorium.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, welcomed the next stage of the museum’s redevelopment: “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.
“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.”
Details of current displays and exhibitions can be found in the Hello Lincoln What’s On guide.
The Creative Core image gives an impression of the new archaeology gallery.