Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum has confirmed it will reopen in January and shared new designs of its main entrance and foyer.
The UK museum closed in June 2023 for a major refurbishment. Its £6 million ‘Sound and Vision’ project includes two new permanent galleries, a new passenger lift, and improvements to the main entrance and foyer.
The institution was originally due to welcome guests again this summer, but the reopening was delayed due to to issues with the excavation of the new lift.
The National Science and Media Museum has now revealed it will launch in January with a new temporary exhibition as Bradford becomes the UK City of Culture.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back into the museum in January just as Bradford takes on the role of City of Culture.”
The latest designs show enhancements to the visitor experience with a reconfigured foyer, which includes a new welcome desk, soft seating, a redesigned shop, and the additional lift.
As part of the Bradford 2025 programme, award-winning art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast is creating a new immersive installation for the museum’s temporary galleries. This is launching in April.
The museum’s new ‘Sound and Vision’ galleries will launch in summer 2025 and will celebrate all aspects of the permanent collection.
New galleries to launch in summer 2025
“It’s going to be a momentous year… and we’ve planned a fantastic lineup of exhibitions, festivals, and events; including a new immersive exhibition in partnership with Bradford 2025, a supercharged Bradford Science Festival, and the opening of our new Sound and Vision galleries in the summer,” Quinton-Tulloch added.
“With an enhanced public programme, newly revamped spaces and improved accessibility including a new passenger lift, we’re ready to welcome many more visitors in 2025 and beyond.”
Opened in 1983, the National Science and Media Museum in West Yorkshire has become one of the most visited UK museums outside London.
Images courtesy of the Science Museum Group
