One of the largest museums in the UK, Manchester Museum, is set to re-open this weekend (February 18) following its most exciting transformation yet, as part of its Hello Future project.
The £15 million capital project has allowed the easily accessible museum to include new and diverse perspectives across the galleries and facilities that visitors will find across the museum. The new collections allow visitors to learn more about diverse cultures around the world, including the links between Manchester and China, showcased by the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Gallery.
Other new collections found in the museum include the Golden Mummies of Egypt, which features more than 100 objects and 8 mummies, allowing the visitors to gain a deeper understanding of ‘ancient Egypt’ and learn from the new research carried out by University of Manchester.
Dinosaur enthusiasts will be pleased to know there is a brand-new Dinosaur display which features April the Tenontosaurus along with a previously popular exhibit, Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex, who has been returned after being removed during the renovation.
Maude the Tigon, a cross between a male tiger and a female lion, has also been returned to the museum, alongside the other 18,000 items in their huge historical collection. Along with the famous hybrid animal, visitors can see the zoology collection which includes a very diverse collection of preserved creatures, ranging from elephants to polar bears.
Esme Ward, Museum Director of Manchester Museum, says:
“The reopening marks 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 are delighted to welcome our visitors back.”
Following the reopening this weekend, Manchester Museum is also hosting a variety of events in the future, including International Mother Language Day with the Multilingual Museum project, on February 21st, and British Science Week on March 14th and 15th where students will be able to interact with experiments, talk to researchers and more.
To find out more about the opening and future events go to the Manchester Museum website.
