The Ragged School Museum, set in a historic school along the Regents Canal, has reopened after a £4.8m refurbishment.
The museum is set in warehouses which were converted into one of the largest Ragged Schools in Victorian England, founded by philanthropist Thomas John Barnardo.
The refurbishment of the 19th century building began in 2020, after the museum was awarded the capital by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The building was covered by scaffolding as a new roof on its top floor was installed, and updates were made to its external windows and doors.
The restoration has also created an extended exhibition space, housing exhibits including Dr Barnardo’s Wooton Patent Cabinet Office Secretary Desk.
Erica Davies, Museum Director, said: “We urgently needed to repair and restore this important building and preserve the stories of the children that are part of its history and the community that surround it.
“It has been a huge challenge, particularly as we were hit with the first national lockdown, three days into the project in 2020. We’ve overcome challenges to expand under-developed areas, improved access and make it a desirable venue.
