The re-branding means the world’s largest collection of historic British cars will be more accurately be reflected as a nationally and internationally significant collection.
An investment of £1.1m by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust will transform the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, which will close to the public from 30 November to allow the refurbishment to take place.
The aim of the changes will result in a much more visually powerful and immersive display, designed to appeal to both patrons and new audiences. An introductory gallery within the new visitor entrance will set the scene and flow into distinctive new themed zones, including ones for movie cars, prototypes and sports cars.
The final element of the multi-million revamp is the new Collections Centre, supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, Jaguar Land Rover and the Garfield Weston Foundation, as well as the two charitable Trusts involved.
The £4m project will store around 250 vehicles from the reserve collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust. Many of these vehicles are one of a kind and most have never been seen by the public. A new team of volunteers will take visitors on a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour to view both the cars and the conservation work in progress in the historic vehicle workshops.
Entry to the Collections Centre will be included within the Museum ticket price and tours can be booked on arrival.
“The Museum refurbishment and the new Collections Centre will enrich our visitors’ experience and showcase our collections to their full potential,” said Julie Tew, Managing Director at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. “Not only will our prized collection of 300 historic British cars be far more accessible, but our Museum will give people the chance to learn more about the past, present and future of the British motor industry, its technology and its people.”
The British Motor Museum will re-open after its redevelopment on Saturday 13 February 2016.
