Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum has pushed back its reopening to 2025, following complications in the construction of a new passenger lift.
The museum had initially been set to reopen this summer, but delays caused by construction of a new lift mean the museum will now reopen in two phases.
It is set to welcome visitors at the start of 2025 – the Bradford district’s City of Culture year – and its new Sound and Vision galleries will launch later next year.
The museum temporarily closed last June to undergo its £6m ‘Sound and Vision’ transformation project, which will add two new permanent galleries, its new passenger lift and improvements to its main entrance.
Commenting on the plans, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum said the additional passenger lift is “a crucial part of our transformation that will enable us to welcome many more visitors in 2025 and beyond.
“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.”
As well as announcing the updated reopening plans, the museum has revealed a glimpse of the latest designs for its new permanent Sound and Vision galleries, including details of gallery themes and stories, along with an artist commission for an interactive installation.
Designed by gallery architects, AOC (Agents of Change), the new galleries will showcase the museum’s core collections through the four key themes of Innovation, Identities, Storytelling and Everywhere.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“It is incredibly exciting to see the designs of the new gallery spaces as part of the Sound and Vision project, which we’re thrilled to be supporting thanks to National Lottery players.
“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.”
