Leicester Museum & Art Gallery Receives New Funding for Final Phase of Revamp

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is set to undergo a major transformation after receiving new funding to kickstart the final phase of its revitalization. On Tuesday, the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded Leicester City Council £411,111 in development funding, paving the way for the creation of new galleries, teaching spaces, and a fresh environmental gallery that will explore important themes such as natural history and climate change. The initial funding will allow the council to finalize the plans for the refurbishment of the museum, with the aim of revitalizing the city's cultural hub.

The transformation project aims to breathe new life into the museum, with two new galleries being proposed to enhance visitor experiences. One of the highlights will be the return of some of the animals in Leicester's natural history collection, which have been in storage since the closure of the Wild Space gallery last year. 

This marks a significant moment for the museum, as these cherished pieces of the collection will once again be accessible to the public. In addition to the new galleries, the project includes the development of more teaching spaces to support educational programs and public engagement activities.

Building on 175 Years of History

This funding boost is part of an ongoing commitment by Leicester City Council to upgrade the museum's infrastructure, which has been a work in progress for over a decade. Over the years, the museum has seen significant improvements to its accessibility, including the installation of new lifts and ramps to ensure all areas are accessible to visitors. 

Assistant City Mayor for Culture, Vi Dempster, shared her excitement about the upcoming developments: "Leicester Museum has been welcoming people for more than 175 years, but the old building has needed ongoing investment to bring it up to the standards of a modern visitor attraction."

The new developments will include the creation of a new suite of art galleries, a brand new café, and an upgraded shop, which will significantly enhance the overall experience for visitors. Dempster called the latest funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund "the icing on the cake," reflecting its importance in completing the final phase of the museum’s overhaul.

Fostering Community Engagement and Learning

Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director for England, Midlands, and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasized the impact the funding will have on local communities: "Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will create new opportunities to engage Leicester's communities with heritage and spark discussion, learning, and enjoyment." 

The council is now set to appoint design teams who will work on detailed plans for the new galleries, ensuring they are shaped by public input and reflect the city's rich cultural heritage.

The council will submit a second application for a full grant of £5,234,445 in 2026 to complete the funding required for the new galleries. This ongoing support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund reflects the importance of investing in the preservation and enhancement of Leicester’s historical and cultural assets, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant for future generations.