Manchester Museum, which is part of the University of Manchester, is closing to the public from August 29 through late 2022 for the final phase of its £13.5m transformation project.
The project, known as ‘Hello Future’, comprises a two-storey extension and new entrance, as well as new galleries including an exhibition hall, South Asia Gallery, Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery and Belonging Gallery.
Manchester Museum director Esme Ward said: “‘Hello Future’ is a hugely important project that aims to build understanding between cultures and create a more sustainable world.”
‘hello future’ project at Manchester Museum
“Once complete, visitors will experience exhibitions that tell new, powerful stories and engage with big ideas,” she added.
Construction work is underway at the museum. The two-storey extension has been built, and the South Asia Gallery and exhibition hall have been created.
The South Asia Gallery is a partnership with the British Museum and will be the UK’s first-ever permanent exhibition space dedicated to exploring the stories and experiences of South Asian communities.
“We are excited to have reached the final stage of our transformation and I want to reassure our visitors that although our doors will temporarily close, we are still here for you,” Ward said.
Manchester Museum reopening in late 2022
“We look forward to opening the doors to ‘Hello Future’ in 2022 and welcoming visitors to a bigger, more imaginative and even more inclusive museum.”
Manchester Museum will host pop-up events and programmes throughout the closure, and the collections are available to explore online. “Manchester Museum exists beyond a building,” she explained.
Earlier this year, Leslie Jones Architecture and McKinney Group submitted plans to Trafford Council for a £60m surf lagoon called Modern Surf Manchester. Therme Group is also building a £250m wellbeing resort at TraffordCity.
In addition, ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge opened in July, a new visitor attraction at Manchester’s Quayside MediaCityUK.
Images: Manchester Museum
