Located on the site of the former Blantyre Works Mill on the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland, the David Livingstone Birthplace is opening on July 28, 2021 after a £9.1m regeneration project.
The museum includes a new exhibition space and children’s play park, a refurbished shop and café and 11 hectares of parkland. The shop, café and children’s play park are already open.
“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to the David Livingstone Birthplace this summer to explore the life of David Livingstone,” said Grant MacKenzie, interim director at the David Livingstone Birthplace.
£9.1m regeneration at David Livingstone museum
“Through our reimagined galleries and programmes, visitors will be able to discover the many aspects of this world famous adventurer and companion, and the untold stories of the extraordinary men and women who are instrumental to his legacy.”
David Livingstone was a Scottish physician and Christian missionary with the London Missionary Society. He was also an anti-slavery campaigner, abolitionist and explorer in Africa.
Upon opening, the museum will display 50 objects of African origin alongside other items relating to Livingstone’s life. There will also be a video series featuring people connected to Livingstone.
“The David Livingstone Trust must be congratulated on this impressive project, which opens up the incredible story of David Livingstone’s life,” said Caroline Clark, director of Scotland at the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
David Livingstone Birthplace opens on July 28
The redesigned education and workshop space will be home to learning programmes, tours and family activities. These will focus on contemporary issues such as sustainability and global citizenship.
“The wider project will also provide the local community with improved outdoors spaces in the surrounding park and woodlands,” said Amy Eastwood, head of grants at Historic Environment Scotland.
“David Livingstone remains a hugely significant figure to many people here in Scotland, in Africa and across the world,” said Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth.
The regeneration of the David Livingstone Birthplace was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland.
Images: David Livingstone Birthplace
