'High Profile Exhibitions' Coming to Newcastle: Discovery Museum's Next Chapter

Newcastle’s cultural scene is set to be invigorated as the beloved Discovery Museum embarks on a groundbreaking transformation. Thanks to a generous £193,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this iconic museum is preparing to redefine its exhibitions by creating a versatile space designed for ‘high profile’ showcases. With its future at stake, the institution is looking forward to welcoming both local and national audiences into its enriched cultural offerings.

A Grant Paves the Way

The substantial investment comes as part of the Museum Renewal Fund’s initiative to sustain civic museums across the region. Discovery Museum joins 11 other regional beneficiaries in a scheme that offers financial support totaling £438,400. According to Chronicle Live, this fund aims to secure the future of museums for generations to come, encouraging them to adapt and flourish.

A New Chapter for Discovery

The museum’s upgrade is set within its historically rich location at the former Cooperative Wholesale Society’s Victorian headquarters in Blandford Square. Museum director Keith Merrin highlights that this new chapter is about keeping the visitor experience “fresh and interesting.” The funding boosts plans to convert existing exhibition areas into adaptable spaces capable of accommodating cutting-edge displays.

Towards ‘High Profile’ Exhibitions

Kylea Little, the museum’s dedicated keeper of history, has high hopes for collaborations with national heavyweights like the Science Museum. With a vision for “high profile exhibitions,” the museum aims to host renowned traveling exhibits while showcasing its own world-class collections, potentially revealing treasures never before seen by the public.

An Emphasis on Regional Culture

The enhancements at Discovery Museum stand to benefit not only Newcastle but also the broader cultural landscape of the North East. By improving its capacity for exhibitions and events, the museum reinforces its commitment to sharing the North’s rich cultural and industrial legacy, heritage evident in iconic objects like Joseph Swan’s pioneering lightbulb and the historical Turbinia.

Looking Ahead

This exciting development underscores a region-wide movement to revitalize cultural spaces, lifting the North East’s stature as a hub for history and art. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Discovery Museum is poised to play a pivotal role in bringing inspiring exhibitions to the public.

This ambitious project is a reminder of the transformative potential lying dormant in heritage-rich spaces. With £193,000 paving the way, the future of Newcastle’s Discovery Museum looks bright and promising.