Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum has delayed its reopening until 2025 as it undergoes a major refurbishment.
The museum closed in June 2023 for the work to take place. It was scheduled to reopen this summer ahead of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture next year.
However, due to delays to the excavation of a new lift, the museum will now reopen in two phases. The building itself will reopen in early 2025, with the new ‘Sound and Vision’ galleries to launch later in the year.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum, said: “Having an additional passenger lift is a crucial part of our transformation that will enable us to welcome many more visitors in 2025 and beyond.”
She explained: “Despite extensive survey work before the excavation commenced, our contractors encountered an unexpected make-up of ground at the base of the lift, which took much longer to excavate than anticipated. Whilst the impact of this delay in the short term is frustrating, our ‘Sound and Vision’ project will future proof the museum for decades to come.”
The museum’s £6 million ‘Sound and Vision’ project includes two new permanent galleries, a new passenger lift, and improvements to the main entrance.
New ‘Sound and Vision’ galleries
The new galleries will be “dynamic, interactive and inspiring”, added Quinton-Tulloch.
“Visitors will be able to see the first ever photographic image; have a go at being a sound engineer; step inside the studio of a local radio station and enter a live art installation,” she said.
Helen Featherstone, north of England director at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The transformation of the National Science and Media Museum will ensure this national and local treasure is a star attraction for City of Culture 2025, and it will also have a lasting and meaningful future with local people and visitors enjoying it for generations to come.”
Images courtesy of the Science Museum Group
