The National Science and Media Museum is closing in June for a £6 million transformation ahead of ahead of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture in 2025.
The project, called ‘Sound and Vision’, includes two new galleries, a new lift, and improvements to the main entrance. It was given funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Bradford Council.
The museum, part of the Science Museum Group, is to close in June 2023 until summer 2024. However, the Pictureville Cinema will remain open throughout the temporary closure.
“This major investment in the museum will radically transform our visitor offer both in terms of content and accessibility,” said Jo Quinton-Tulloch, the museum’s director.
Revamp for Bradford’s City of Culture year
“In the new galleries, visitors will be able to find stories that resonate with them, showing how all areas of our collections – from photography to gaming – are embedded in every aspect of our lives, and inspiring the next generation of creatives, inventors and scientists.
“During the period of museum closure, we look forward to welcoming cinema visitors and working with local residents to curate the new galleries.”
The new galleries will display objects and stories from the museum’s collections of photographs, films, TV, animation, video games and sound technologies.
As part of the transformation, two floors of the building will be completely remodelled. Unused spaces will be opened up and the displays will be reimagined.
The ground floor will be reconfigured to offer a new public space and enhanced welcome area, and the addition of a new lift will increase the museum’s accessibility.
In 2025, Bradford expects to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors. The National Science and Media Museum will serve as a key attraction in the UK City of Culture.
Anne Jenkins, executive director of business delivery at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the museum will become “one of the star attractions for City of Culture 2025”.
Images: Science Museum Group
